The quarterback who was also a primary punter for 13 years
In short: Imagine being the face of an NFL franchise while simultaneously handling special teams duties. Danny White didn't just share the field; he occupied two distinct roles, becoming one of the last starting quarterbacks in history to also serve as his team's primary punter.
Danny White’s unique dual role with the Dallas Cowboys began in 1976. After the World Football League folded, White joined Dallas where he served as both the backup to legend Roger Staubach and the team's primary punter. He eventually punted for the final time in his career in 1985.
White’s path to the NFL was unconventional. At Arizona State, he was initially viewed as a superior baseball prospect rather than a football standout. It took intervention from coaches Frank Kush and Bobby Winkles—who signed him with a provision that he must also play punter—to launch his career. He eventually became a collegiate star, setting seven NCAA passing records and leading the nation's second-rated total offense in 1973.
Despite a winning regular-season record of 62–30 as a starter, White often faced intense scrutiny for the Cowboys' playoff struggles. Between 1980 and 1982, he led the team to three consecutive NFC Championship appearances but lost all three. Even his statistically best season in 1983 saw him lose his starting job to Gary Hogeboom following a series of blowout losses, though coach Tom Landry later defended White as a 'solid winner' who performed admirably under immense pressure.
White’s legacy extends beyond the gridiron. He transitioned into coaching, leading the Arizona Rattlers to two ArenaBowl championships and finishing his head coaching career with a 162–95 record. His influence is cemented in multiple Halls of Fame, including the College Football Hall of Fame and the Arena Football League Hall of Fame.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Danny White
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