Cowboys Celebrate Franchise Great Bill Bates as “Legend of the Game” During Halftime Ceremony…..
Arlington, TX – The Dallas Cowboys paid a heartfelt tribute on Sunday to one of their most iconic and respected players in franchise history — Bill Bates — during a special halftime ceremony at AT&T Stadium. Honored as the “Cowboys Legend of the Game,” Bates received a rousing ovation from the tens of thousands of fans in attendance, many of whom still remember his fearless play and relentless work ethic that made him a symbol of what it means to wear the star.
Bates, who spent his entire 15-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, epitomized loyalty, resilience, and team-first mentality. Undrafted out of the University of Tennessee in 1983, Bates made an immediate impact on the Cowboys roster, carving out a legacy as one of the most tenacious and versatile players the franchise has ever known. Over his career, he played in 217 games, starting in 47 of them, and was a stalwart on both defense and special teams.
Despite beginning his career as an undrafted free agent, Bates quickly earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the league and became a core member of the Cowboys’ special teams unit. His fearless and aggressive play even led the NFL to create a Pro Bowl roster spot for special teams players — a distinction that made Bates the first non-returner to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl as a special teamer in 1984.
“I never worried about the size of the player, just the size of the heart,” Bates once famously said — a mindset that endeared him not just to teammates and coaches, but also to a fan base that values toughness and humility.
During Sunday’s ceremony, Bates was introduced at midfield to thunderous cheers. Accompanied by his wife and children, he waved to the crowd with visible emotion, clearly moved by the outpouring of appreciation. Wearing a navy blue Cowboys blazer and flashing his signature smile, Bates thanked fans with a salute and placed his hand on his heart in a show of gratitude.
“This organization and its fans have given me everything,” Bates said in a short address. “I came here just hoping for a shot, and I ended up with a lifetime of memories, friendships, and championships. I’m honored beyond words.”
Bates’ name is synonymous with some of the Cowboys’ most glorious moments. He was part of the team’s three Super Bowl-winning squads in the 1990s, helping the Cowboys capture titles in Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX. While never the biggest star on the field, Bates was widely recognized in the locker room and throughout the league for his leadership, toughness, and team spirit.
Current Cowboys players watched the tribute from the sidelines, many of them nodding in respect for the man whose career has become part of the team’s lore. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy commented after the game, saying, “Bill Bates is the kind of player every coach dreams of having. He did everything the right way — he gave it all on the field and did it with heart and humility.”
Fans in the stands proudly wore throwback No. 40 jerseys, and several signs could be seen bearing phrases like “Heart of a Champion” and “Forever 40.” Social media also lit up with tributes, with former teammates such as Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith sharing their own memories and appreciation for Bates.
While many Cowboys legends have been celebrated over the years, the honor given to Bill Bates carried a different tone — one rooted in respect for a player who never sought the spotlight but earned it through sheer will and unrelenting effort.
In a franchise known for its stars, few have embodied the true meaning of “America’s Team” more than Bill Bates — a man who didn’t just wear the star, but became a part of it.