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A year after breaking his heart, Pro Football Hall of Fame opens its doors to Cowboys legend Drew Pearson

One of the most beloved players in Cowboys history can now take his place next to his peers.

A journey that took longer than it should is complete.

Drew Pearson will be in the Hall of Fame. One of the most beloved players in Cowboys history can now take his place next to the teammates and peers who have lobbied for his inclusion.

The receiver, who turned 70 just a few weeks ago, got the knock on the door to let him know his puzzling and sometimes excruciating wait was over. He’s a member of the Class of 2021. Quarterback Roger Staubach and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones were there to share the moment.

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Pearson becomes the sixth person with ties to the organization to be honored in the last six years. His inclusion increases the number of Cowboys in Canton to 20.

One of the players to precede him, Michael Irvin, introduced his friend in a taped segment that aired during Saturday night’s NFL Honors television show.

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“I didn’t know what to expect coming in,’' a visibly emotional Pearson said upon receiving the news. “Not this, though.

“I’ve always wanted this for a long time. To have Roger here and Mr. Jones, I promise I’ll live up to what the Hall of Fame is all about. And now, you’re giving me a chance at immortality.

“The legacy of that is amazing.’'

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There was a belief one year ago that Pearson’s odyssey would come to an end with an expanded Centennial Class designed to help clean up some of the hall’s more grievous omissions. Former teammate Cliff Harris and Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson were part of that 20-person class.

Pearson wasn’t. His anguish played out in front of the family, friends and media he invited to his home when the class was announced.

It was a more subdued Pearson who left for Tampa Bay on Friday morning.

There would be no crowd. Pearson was allowed to take one guest with him to Tampa as he awaited Saturday’s announcement. He chose grandson Kavika Pittman, the son of the former Cowboys defensive end by the same name.

“I’m a little more reserved now,’' Pearson said while waiting to board his flight to Florida. “I’m waiting for them to tell me officially.’'

Known as “Mr. Clutch” — to this day he has no idea who gave him that moniker — Pearson played 11 seasons for the Cowboys. He was the all-time franchise leader in catches (489) and receiving yards (7,822) when he sustained a liver injury in a car accident in March of 1984 that brought a premature end to his career.

Pearson made the All-Pro team in his second season and three of his first five years in the league. He led the Cowboys in receptions and receiving yards in four consecutive seasons (1974-77) and combined with Staubach on the Hail Mary, one of the most iconic plays in NFL history, to lead the team to a playoff victory over Minnesota in ’75.

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He was one of six Cowboys named to the NFL’s All-Decade team for the ’70s.

“I never thought I was the best,’' Pearson said. “Charley Taylor (Washington) was still in the league, and I had too much respect for him to think I was better. I did feel I was one of the best.

“But at the same time we had a system that humbled you, OK. There was no go-to guy. No matter what I did, I was not the go-to guy. We didn’t have that. We had too many weapons you had to respect.’'

Pearson played in seven championship games and three Super Bowls before his career was done. His No. 88 isn’t retired, but it’s been held and passed down as part of a proud tradition.

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Irvin, Dez Bryant and now CeeDee Lamb have all worn that number for the franchise since Pearson’s retirement.

“When I retired, I started calling myself the original No. 88,’' Pearson said. “Then here comes Irvin and he did what he did. Now we’ve got a legacy going.

“Individuals can’t create a legacy. A true legacy is taking what you did then passing it onto the next guy. That’s what I told Michael.

“The Cowboys hold that number for someone special to take it next. I’m honored they treat it like that.’'

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Pearson’s bust for the Hall of Fame has been on hold for 37 years. Now, he’s gets to join Irvin in Canton. The induction will be Aug. 8, one day after Harris and Johnson are enshrined.

It’s about time.

It’s past time.

Cowboys in the Hall of Fame

Editor’s note: Other Hall of Famers appeared for the Cowboys, but these players spent the bulk of their careers with Dallas.

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Bob Lilly

Defensive tackle, 1961-1974

Inducted: Aug. 2, 1980

Roger Staubach

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Quarterback, 1969-1979

Inducted: Aug. 3, 1985

Tom Landry

Coach, 1960-1988

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Inducted: Aug. 4, 1990

Tex Schramm

President/GM, 1960-1988

Inducted: July 27, 1991

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Tony Dorsett

Running back, 1977-1987

Inducted: July 30, 1994

Randy White

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Defensive tackle, 1975-1988

Inducted: July 30, 1994

Mel Renfro

Defensive back, 1964-1977

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Inducted: July 27, 1996

Troy Aikman

Quarterback, 1989-2000

Inducted: Aug. 5, 2006

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Rayfield Wright

Right tackle, 1967-1979

Inducted: Aug. 5, 2006

Michael Irvin

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Wide receiver, 1988-1999

Inducted: Aug. 4, 2007

Bob Hayes

Wide receiver, 1965-1974

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Inducted: Aug. 8, 2009

Emmitt Smith

Running back, 1990-2002

Inducted: Aug. 7, 2010

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Deion Sanders

Cornerback/wide receiver, 1995-1999

Inducted: Aug. 6, 2011

Larry Allen

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Offensive lineman, 1994-2005

Inducted: Aug. 3, 2013

Charles Haley

Defensive end, 1992-1996

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Inducted: Aug. 8, 2015

Jerry Jones

Owner/president/general manager, 1989-present

Inducted: Aug. 5, 2017

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Gil Brandt

Vice president of player personnel, 1960-1988

Inducted: Aug. 3, 2019

Jimmy Johnson

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Coach, 1989-1993

Induction ceremony: Aug. 7, 2021

Cliff Harris

Safety, 1970-79

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Induction ceremony: Aug. 7, 2021

Drew Pearson

Wide receiver, 1973-83

Induction ceremony: Aug. 8, 2021

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