Don Perkins Dies at Age 84; Former Cowboys RB Won 1961 NFL Rookie of the Year

Don Perkins, a former Pro Bowl running back, passed away on Thursday.

During his eight-year career with the Cowboys, Perkins earned six Pro Bowl selections, one first-team All-Pro nod and NFL rookies of the year in 1961.

Perkins was a member of the Cowboys' Ring of Honor.

Perkins was drafted by the Baltimore Colts out of the University of New Mexico but never played for the team as he signed a contract with the Cowboys before the draft.

The Waterloo, Iowa native spent time as both a halfback and fullback in Dallas, rushing for 6,217 yards and 42 touchdown to go along with 146 reception for 1,310 yards and three scores in 107 career regular-season games.

Perkins is fourth in Cowboys history in career rushing yards and fifth in rushing touchdown, putting him behind only Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and EzekielElliott.

Perkins was a three-time All-Skyline player at New Mexico and a 1959 third-team All-American as a two-way player.

Perkins is a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, as well as being a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor class.