Roger Staubach Trading Card, 1972

"Captain Comeback," "Roger the Dodger," and "Captain America," were all nicknames for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach. From 1969 to 1979, this U.S. Naval Academy graduate lead "America's Team" to two Super Bowl victories and 5 NFL championships.

Staubach was a star player long before he wore the blue star on his helmet. As a junior at Navy, he won the 1963 Heisman Trophy, though his #2-ranked team lost the national championship game that year to the #1-ranked University of Texas Longhorns. The Naval Academy retired his jersey number (12) after his senior season. In 1981, Staubach was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Staubach's Navy commitments put his professional football career on hold. In 1964, the Dallas Cowboys drafted him in round 10, but he didn't begin playing pro ball immediately. Staubach served five years in the Navy, including a one-year tour in Viet Nam. In 1969, now retired from the military, he reported to the Cowboys' training camp as a 27-year old rookie with three children.

This trading card is from 1972. During the 1971-72 season, Staubach 1) won the Cowboys starting quarterback job from Craig Morton, 2) was named NFL MVP and NFC Player of the Year, 3) led the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl win over the Miami Dolphins, and 4) was named Super Bowl VI MVP. With that MVP win, Staubach became only the fourth player to date to win both the Heisman and the Super Bowl MVP awards. In 1977, Staubach led the Cowboys to another Super Bowl victory, this time against the Denver Broncos.

During his 11 seasons with the Cowboys, Staubach set numerous records but also suffered multiple concussions. Citing health concerns, Staubach retired from football in 1979 and built a very successful real estate career. "Captain America" was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.