Dallas City News

We are at day 6 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 6.

There’s a record that still stands today that was set in Super Bowl VI (6) by the great Bob Lilly.

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Robert Lewis Lilly, aka Mr. Cowboy, was born July 26th, 1939 and became the 13th overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft for the Dallas Cowboys. Lilly discovered his role as a defensive tackle after Tom Landry assigned him to that position, and he rapidly emerged as a key player in the renowned “Doomsday Defense.”

Lilly employed an uncommon four-point stance, which enabled him to exert increased force when confronting opposing linemen. With this innovative technique, the Cowboys, under the guidance of their determined leader, began to achieve success and secured their inaugural Super Bowl appearance in 1970. Although the Cowboys largely defeated themselves, the victory went to the Baltimore Colts. This outcome provoked Lilly, culminating in a helmet toss at the conclusion of the game, marking the onset of a significant turning point.

In 1971, the unwavering dedication and commitment exhibited by Bob Lilly and his fellow Cowboys teammates inspired both fans and coaches alike. This remarkable focus culminated in a second appearance in the Super Bowl, where the Cowboys faced off against Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins, ultimately achieving a decisive victory by a score of 24-3.

Bob Lilly provided fans with a moment of great significance in NFL history during the game. Early on, with a narrow 3-0 advantage, Bob Griese, who would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, took the snap on a crucial 3rd-and-9 play. As Griese scanned the field, he began to scramble within the pocket. He was soon confronted by the formidable Larry Cole, who advanced towards him. In an effort to evade Cole, Griese attempted to maneuver, but Cole leaped to obstruct any potential pass. This forced Griese to retreat in a state of urgency, as both Lilly and Cole closed in on him like two predatory lions. Griese spun in a desperate attempt to escape, yet Lilly relentlessly pursued him in the backfield. Ultimately, when Lilly managed to grasp Griese, they had retreated 29 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, establishing a new Super Bowl record with Lilly’s remarkable 29-yard sack.

It is to date the longest negative play in Super Bowl History and is the easiest example of the determination and effort that Lilly played with throughout his entire career.

Lilly dedicated himself entirely to the Dallas Cowboys, establishing the groundwork for one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. His record-setting 29-yard sack serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements he accomplished during his tenure with the team.

Photo by: 2017 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images