Donald Anthony Perkins: A Football Legacy
The first greatest running back” for the Dallas Cowboys franchise
Don Perkins retired following an eight-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, only four other running backs in NFL history had rushed for more yards than his 6,217.Perkins was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. On September 24 1961, he became the first running back in Cowboys’ history to run for 100 yards in a game, when he rushed for 108 yards on 17 carries against the expansion Minnesota Vikings. In 1961 was named the NFL Rookie of the Year, following that up with All-Pro honors in 1962. Along with being in the UNM Ring of HonorHe was inducted into the Cowboys’ ring of honor in 1976.
Early Years: Donald Anthony Perkins, born on March 4, 1938, in Waterloo, Iowa, had a promising start in sports during his high school years. At Waterloo West High School, he excelled in both football and track, earning eight letters in total – four each in football and track, where he showcased his sprinting skills. Perkins was not just an athlete; he was also a leader, serving as the student body president during his senior year.
College Career: Donald Perkins took his talents to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he played college football as a halfback and defensive back. His remarkable skills on the field earned him recognition as a three-time All-Skyline selection and the Skyline Sophomore of the Year. Under the coaching of Marv Levy, a future Hall of Famer, Perkins stood out as one of the greatest players Levy ever coached. In 1958, he led the nation in kickoff returns, and in 1959, he received third-team All-American honors. Perkins’s contributions to the University of New Mexico were so significant that the school retired his jersey number, 43, a first in UNM history. He also earned a place in the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame and the University of New Mexico Hall of Honor.
Professional Career: The Dallas Cowboys recognized Perkins’s potential and signed him to a personal-services contract, offering a $1,500 bonus and a $10,000 salary. Although he was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the ninth round of the NFL draft, the league upheld his contract with the Cowboys, requiring the Cowboys to compensate the Colts with a ninth-round draft pick in the 1962 NFL draft.
Perkins’s professional career with the Cowboys began in 1961 as a rookie. While he may not have had blazing speed, his quickness and balance set him apart. In his debut season, he rushed for 815 yards and scored four touchdowns, earning him the title of NFL Rookie of the Year and a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Perkins’s best year came in 1962, where he rushed for an impressive 945 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming the first Cowboy to make the All-Pro team. Throughout his eight-season career with the Cowboys, he consistently ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in rushing yards. Perkins was known for his blocking skills and led the team in rushing for six of his eight seasons. He remains fourth in the Cowboys’ all-time rushing yards list and fifth in rushing touchdowns.
Legacy and Honors: Despite playing in challenging times, Donald Perkins made a lasting impact on the Dallas Cowboys. He earned six Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro team nod, gaining a reputation for his courage and determination. Perkins retired in 1968, having led all active players in rushing yards since the retirement of Jim Taylor and ranking fifth in NFL history with 6,217 rushing yards. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium in 1976.
In 2006, Perkins received further recognition as he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame and the University of New Mexico Hall of Honor.The Professional Football Researchers Association also honored him by naming him to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2016.
Personal Life and Passing: Off the field, Perkins had a multifaceted life. He worked as a football analyst for various television and radio networks, including CBS Sports and ABC Sports. He also contributed to his community, serving as the director of the Work Incentive Program for the State of New Mexico Department of Human Services and participating in organizations such as the NAACP.
Donald Perkins was not just a football legend; he was a loving father of four children and a proud grandfather of eleven. He embraced theater, public speaking, and broadcasting at local and national levels. He spent his retirement years in the city of Albuquerque.
On June 9, 2022, at the age of 84, Donald Anthony Perkins passed away, leaving behind a football legacy that will forever be remembered and celebrated.