The NFL Draft has evolved into a must-see spectacle since it hit the road, and this year, the league is adding a delicious layer of historic rivalry to the mix in Pittsburgh. To announce the Dallas Cowboys' picks during Rounds 2 and 3, the team is calling upon two legends who defined one of football's greatest eras: Hall of Famers Drew Pearson and Tony Dorsett.
These icons were central figures in the epic Cowboys-Steelers battles of the 1970s, a rivalry that featured two classic Super Bowl clashes. Their presence in Pittsburgh is sure to electrify the atmosphere, though the crowd's reaction may differ for each.
Wide receiver Drew Pearson, famous for his undrafted-to-legend journey, faced the Steelers in both Super Bowl X and XIII. While his Cowboys never bested Pittsburgh in their meetings, expect Pearson to embrace the villain role. He's the mastermind behind the now-legendary trolling of the Philadelphia crowd at the 2017 draft, a moment that set the standard for legendary guests stirring the pot. The Pittsburgh faithful should brace for a memorable performance.
Running back Tony Dorsett, however, might hear a few more cheers mixed with the boos. For Dorsett, this is a homecoming. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area and became a college football superstar at the University of Pittsburgh, winning the Heisman Trophy before his illustrious pro career. He rushed for 96 yards in Super Bowl XIII against these very Steelers, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry.
Sending these two Cowboys legends into the heart of Steeler Nation is a brilliant move, guaranteeing a moment filled with history, rivalry, and pure football theater as they welcome the next generation of Dallas talent.
