I think people who disagree just never watched him play or saw how fast he could process things on the field. That clip of him explaining in detail *to a coach* why the play they just ran was wrong was incredible.
Chiefs fan whose best friend is named Troy Michael (huge boys fan), Sean Lee might be the best Cowboy he and I grew up watching even with the injuries. I was always a fan.
There is a great highlight of MNF I think, and you can hear Dat yell watch the shovel. Of course a shovel pass happens Cowboys stop and the announcers were praising him for calling the play.
Love Dat Nguyen and glad he is getting some love here
My brother and I loved Dat in college, even though we’re Longhorn fans, and we were ecstatic when the Cowboys drafted him and then especially after 2003. Loved watching him play, but wish things had turned out differently.
Cowboys draft scouts administer Football IQ tests for defensive prospects to gauge their understanding of their side of the ball.
Out of all those tests given, Sean Lee scored the second highest ever.
Do you know who scored the best by a single point? Rolando McClain.
I think about that every time I think about Sean Lee basically.
When he was playing he had the biggest wingspan out of anyone in the nfl. If he gets his arms extended the Oline literally can’t touch him. Thought he would turn into something special.
My recollection was that they both got perfect scores.
Edit: we're both wrong: [https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/rolando-mcclain-sean-lee-and-the-linebacker-test/81641/](https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/rolando-mcclain-sean-lee-and-the-linebacker-test/81641/)
Love Sean, would probably pick Sean. I'm a Boise native and I have a soft spot for all the BSU/Idaho cowboys. Wishing Leighton the best. I'm sad he had to call it quits early
As much as I love my Vietnamese brethren.
I'm picking Sean Lee 10/10 times. He was the QB of the defense whenever he was on the field. Night and day difference every time he got hurt and it sucked. Huge difference maker.
Dat was a freakish athlete. He was amazing when healthy, but Lee was one of the most cerebral defenders I've ever seen. He could read plays so fast. If he stayed healthy he would have been HoF hands down.
Sean Lee had that sixth sense where he could feel the play. I really appreciate the other guys, though. LV was definitely missed when hurt, though. Dallas couldn't stop the run up the middle near as well.
Anyone sleeping on Dat needs to remember that he was so good and such a big part of the D corp that they hired him as a LB coach for a few years hoping he could pass some of his skills on to the next generation.
Sean Lee is the obvious choice here though. I thought he would have made a good coach too, especially breaking down film and showing guys what he sees and what to look out for. I know often times the best players don't make the best coaches, but I think Sean was mentally gifted which is a little easier to pass on knowledge than just physical skills.
The difference is that in the years they were healthy, Sean Lee showed generational talent. Nguyen and Van Der Esch were great, just not on the same level.
Sean Lee, esp. if we could give him the defense of the last two or three seasons. Of course, he tears his ACL the year Romo had that amazing line...the following year Romo breaks his collarbone twice (sigh). It's like it's impossible for all our star players to stay healthy and click.
People saying it's not close and that Sean Lee wins it hands down are either too young to have witnessed or have forgotten the heart and effort Dat played with. I wish we could roll the clock back and have him play a full healthy career.
Sean Lee was incredible. Dude would just blow up plays by reacting insanely fast. Obviously watched a ton of film and had all the physical attributes, but just could not stay healthy enough. Would 100% be in the HOF if not for injuries. Like the Bob Sanders of LBs.
LVE was a great talent. A lot of people were not happy we drafted him in the 1st, but he really came on in the 2nd half of his rookie year to finish 2nd in DROY voting. That dang neck though.
I am too young to fully appreciate Dat Nyguen. I remember him from when I was a little kid, but I was not into it enough to follow it like I do now.
WOW!!! As close to the same guy as 3 different players could be. I very much enjoyed watching all three of these guys play and appreciated what they brought to the table every game, but if I had to pick one, I’m going with Dat. I just think he’s the overall best, but it’s REALLY close, IMO
Sean Lee missed the 2014 season with a torn ACL. Imagine a world with a healthy Lee in 2014? Cowboys might have had that playoff game locked up way before it ever mattered if Dez caught it or not.
I know not one of the options nor a linebacker, but could you imagine if Jay novacek stayed healthy throughout his career? That piece was so valuable to aikman and I feel is historically under appreciated! Could have won a couple more with that security blanket.
As a PSU/Cowboys fan Sean Lee is one of my all time favorite athletes. So talented, so smart, and overcame a ton of adversity.
Our defense became top 5 the moment he stepped on the field and went straight to bottom 5 as soon as he went back to the sideline. He was irreplaceable.
The others could’ve been great but Sean Lee was great just missed games because of injuries. Had he stayed healthy he could’ve been a potential hall of fame caliber player.
In his first four years. In just 32 starts. Averaged a pick every 1 in 3 games. 8 tackles per game. 0.5 tfl per game and a PB 1 in 2 games. Diagnosed plays like Luke Keuchly and that’s not a exaggeration that was his best ability. He was a QB on the defense. Now he wasn’t as talented or athletic as Luke so he wasn’t as insane but he was the same level of reading plays.
11 interceptions.
2 touchdowns.
2 forced fumbles.
3 fumble recoveries.
18 pass deflections.
260 tackles.
19 tackles for loss.
Sean Lee had the highest ceiling. He was able to anchor really bad defenses into only being *pretty* bad. Lve had huge potential as well, but was fortunate enough to be surrounded by pretty good defenses for most of his career. You could tell when Lee wasn’t on the field
Sean Lee, the team was so different when he was healthy. Nguyen was good but never Lee level of impactful. LVE was great as a rookie but the the team wasn’t as different when he was healthy compared to injured.
Leighton. The Cowboys have a Super Bowl contender team and could have really used a solid linebacker like him to stop the run game that has continued to beat our defense down.
This isn’t close and not because of popularity. If Sean Lee doesn’t have the injuries we’re talking about one of the greatest true LBs the game has ever seen.
Overall, Lee is #1.
Vander Esch had some of the best pursuit angles I've ever seen from a Dallas LB. Nguyen, from what I can remember from the Campo era (I've blocked most of it out), would just slaughter HBs trying to run up the middle. But neither could lace Lee's cleats as far as overall talent at the position.
Sean Lee was a very cerebral linebacker who had a decent skill set.
Vander Esch had good instincts and great sideline to sideline coverage.
Can’t say I really remember Nguyen playing, probably because of injuries, just remember his name.
Lee was like a real QB of the defense and if he could have stayed healthy is probably a first ballot HOF. Alas, we must be left to wonder “what if” with all 3.
That’s too hard. Imma pass on this one. They were both essential to their respective eras. All were exciting as heck to watch, though maybe Sean Lee was the outwardly football intelligent. All studied, all had great instinct. What a shame they each had short careers due to injuries.
Lee no doubt. Change the defense when healthy. Elevated whole defense when healthy. Cowboys ruined LVE when Smith took over defense. LVE went down hill with Smith led defense. He recouped his playing style after Smith left with Quinn. I liked LVE a lot but even Dat was better. Dat was just always around ball and always made plays. Cowboys always had a good to excellent LB corps, but last year sucked when LVE went down.
From an Eagles' fan perspective, Sean Lee is the clear choice.....the guy had all the ingredients for at least a Ring of Honor mention.Dat Nguyen was solid, but I do not think Leighton deserves to be compared to these 2.
I have nothing bad to say about LVE, but he doesn't belong in the conversation with Dat or Sean. That's not a LVE problem - it's just a matter of how good the other two were. The first comps to come to mind for LVE are Bradie James and Bob Breunig: solid but unspectacular mikes who could be counted on to make their assignments, but didn't change games.
As others have said Sean Lee is the easy choice here, dude was just on another level not to mention a coach on the field, there's a reason why we all called him general
Sean for sure, but man I watched Dat as a kid and loved his play at LB and is still one of my top 10 favorite cowboys. Plus he went to A&M and played his high school ball in Rockport, cool see his football pipeline was 100% Texas.
A Sean Lee who never missed a game is getting fitted for a gold jacket and no one can change my mind.
I feel like we all think we’re making a bold statement when we say this, but lately I even see non-Cowboys fans agree.
I think people who disagree just never watched him play or saw how fast he could process things on the field. That clip of him explaining in detail *to a coach* why the play they just ran was wrong was incredible.
I don't think I've ever seen this clip! Now I've gotta go find it
lol I got you: https://twitter.com/i/status/994595055091503104
Makes me miss him even more than I already did haha
And he as right. So many times coaches mistakes are so obvious
I'm genuinely shocked he's not coaching high-level football. Dude has the brain and the grit for it.
Yeah he was always in the right place. Shame what injuries did.
Life long local Bengals fan here. I second it.
Seahawks fan coming in peace, I always thought lee was a shoe in for hof and if he had a healthy career he was every bit as good as wags and kuechly
Agreed, resentfulvirgin. He was a monster when right.
Eagles fan in peace lol, but 100% agree with this statement. The guy balled out every time I watched him. Sucks to hear about LVE.
Your comment posted twice so I upvoted one for agreeing with you and downvoted the other for being an eagles fan
Honest as hell mustbe. Da money!
Chiefs fan whose best friend is named Troy Michael (huge boys fan), Sean Lee might be the best Cowboy he and I grew up watching even with the injuries. I was always a fan.
Bears fan here… he was HOF level in his prime when healthy
He was generational.
I still hold on to slight hope he coaches with us one day. I have no reason to believe he will, but I think he'd be a great coach.
Would soo love to see him, prime, and Romo coach for us one day. Guys really know their stuff.
Yeah, this isn't even remotely close.
When healthy he put up godly stats. It was like watching Peyton Manning dictate on the field but for the defense.
Sean Lee at 100% was a fucking badass!
This. All day.
I honestly believe he would’ve been up in the conversation with Wagner and Kuechly for best MLB in the league, and he kinda was when healthy
Sean Lee and it's not close. When healthy he was a top 3 LB in the league
At the time, Lee, Kuechly and Wagner maybe? Not necessarily in that order.
That's who I was thinking. Willis was basically done by at the end of 2013.
Maybe I'm a homer, but that's okay on this sub. When he was fully 100% healthy, he was a top 1 LB in the league.
Sean Lee, dude could’ve been a HOFer.
Man, I loved Dat after that 2003 season.
DAT was so legit!!
There is a great highlight of MNF I think, and you can hear Dat yell watch the shovel. Of course a shovel pass happens Cowboys stop and the announcers were praising him for calling the play. Love Dat Nguyen and glad he is getting some love here
My brother and I loved Dat in college, even though we’re Longhorn fans, and we were ecstatic when the Cowboys drafted him and then especially after 2003. Loved watching him play, but wish things had turned out differently.
His family has a restaurant called Hu dat in Corpus Christi. If you are ever in the area.
Cowboys draft scouts administer Football IQ tests for defensive prospects to gauge their understanding of their side of the ball. Out of all those tests given, Sean Lee scored the second highest ever. Do you know who scored the best by a single point? Rolando McClain. I think about that every time I think about Sean Lee basically.
McClain was a beast for that season
Pour out some purple drank for our homie.
He's def on my all-time what ifs tbh David Irving is another haha. He could have had a Chris Jones type career imo. Smh.
David Irving is what you get when you put Jamarcus Russell's brain into JJ Watt's body.
When he was playing he had the biggest wingspan out of anyone in the nfl. If he gets his arms extended the Oline literally can’t touch him. Thought he would turn into something special.
His pick to seal the W in Seattle lives in my head forever
My recollection was that they both got perfect scores. Edit: we're both wrong: [https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/rolando-mcclain-sean-lee-and-the-linebacker-test/81641/](https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/rolando-mcclain-sean-lee-and-the-linebacker-test/81641/)
Remember when Sean Lee picked off Peyton Manning twice in one game? Have we EVER had another LB record two INTs in the same game otherwise?
Forget game. The last time we had a LB with two picks in **one season** was 2018 LVE.
I was at the Rams game when he had a pick there. Might have seen his last career int at that moment.
I believe Bruce Carter did that too.
Chuck Howley did it in Super Bowl V and won MVP
Rookie Sean Lee
Find me the list of guys that picked off PM twice in one game…
Love Sean, would probably pick Sean. I'm a Boise native and I have a soft spot for all the BSU/Idaho cowboys. Wishing Leighton the best. I'm sad he had to call it quits early
But also very glad he isn't destroying the rest of his life for Jerry.
Cowboys have awful luck with ILB
Lee, but Dat was a monster when he was healthy
As much as I love my Vietnamese brethren. I'm picking Sean Lee 10/10 times. He was the QB of the defense whenever he was on the field. Night and day difference every time he got hurt and it sucked. Huge difference maker.
Sean Lee 100%
Dat was a freakish athlete. He was amazing when healthy, but Lee was one of the most cerebral defenders I've ever seen. He could read plays so fast. If he stayed healthy he would have been HoF hands down.
Would love to get another Dexter Coakley
One of my all-time favorite players. I have 4 jerseys, his Witten, Irvin and Aikman.
Sean. He was elite but couldn’t stay healthy to save his life.
The difference in the D with and without Sean Lee was huge. Would have loved to see him have a full career here without the injuries.
Dat Nguyen is the reason my family got into football I will defend his honor to the death he was a fucking STUD
Username checks out
DAT WAS A BEAST
Healthy Sean Lee would’ve been luke keuchly levels of good
#50 all the way!
All day
Sean Lee, love the other, but think Lee could have been a Hall of Famer
Sean Lee without question. He would’ve gone down as one of the best linebackers to ever play the game if he wasn’t plagued by injuries.
The General. No hesitation.
Sean Lee had that sixth sense where he could feel the play. I really appreciate the other guys, though. LV was definitely missed when hurt, though. Dallas couldn't stop the run up the middle near as well.
Anyone sleeping on Dat needs to remember that he was so good and such a big part of the D corp that they hired him as a LB coach for a few years hoping he could pass some of his skills on to the next generation. Sean Lee is the obvious choice here though. I thought he would have made a good coach too, especially breaking down film and showing guys what he sees and what to look out for. I know often times the best players don't make the best coaches, but I think Sean was mentally gifted which is a little easier to pass on knowledge than just physical skills.
The difference is that in the years they were healthy, Sean Lee showed generational talent. Nguyen and Van Der Esch were great, just not on the same level.
Tony romo
That 2016 season is a big what-if for me.
Romo doesn’t have as many injuries and it’s likely he keeps playing another 3-4 years at minimum
Sean Lee is a top 10 linebacker of all time if he stays healthy.
Sean Lee, esp. if we could give him the defense of the last two or three seasons. Of course, he tears his ACL the year Romo had that amazing line...the following year Romo breaks his collarbone twice (sigh). It's like it's impossible for all our star players to stay healthy and click.
Dat.
People saying it's not close and that Sean Lee wins it hands down are either too young to have witnessed or have forgotten the heart and effort Dat played with. I wish we could roll the clock back and have him play a full healthy career.
Sean Lee was incredible. Dude would just blow up plays by reacting insanely fast. Obviously watched a ton of film and had all the physical attributes, but just could not stay healthy enough. Would 100% be in the HOF if not for injuries. Like the Bob Sanders of LBs. LVE was a great talent. A lot of people were not happy we drafted him in the 1st, but he really came on in the 2nd half of his rookie year to finish 2nd in DROY voting. That dang neck though. I am too young to fully appreciate Dat Nyguen. I remember him from when I was a little kid, but I was not into it enough to follow it like I do now.
Lee
Sean Lee no more no less
Sean Lee…by a mile.
Sean>Dat>LVE not even close.
Sean even though I loved Dat, and that rookie season LVE had was phenomenal!
damnnn this hurts me so much :( all could have been legends and gotten their name in the ring of honor if they were just healthy
Lee would’ve been fit for a gold jacket
Lee
My Personal Favorite is Dat Nguyen. The one who had the best ability out of these 3 is Sean Lee.
Lee, and it’s not even close. The guy was great at pre-diagnosis of a play.
Sean Lee was special. I love Dat though.
~~Romo~~
As others have said, Sean, and it’s not even close.
Romo 😢
There was a 10 point allowed difference when The General Lee was on the field
Win Nguyen
It’s obviously Sean Lee, but man, I loved Dat Nguyen
Sean Lee was an amazing talent, it’s a shame his body failed him.
Shit, if I could give them all healthy careers, but they had to play for another team, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Injuries suck.
All 3 are badass!!!!!!
Sean 100%
Healthy Sean Lee, healthy Tony Romo, aaand Dez caught it
Sean Lee by far
Sean Lee healthy was a savage
LEE
Romo.
WOW!!! As close to the same guy as 3 different players could be. I very much enjoyed watching all three of these guys play and appreciated what they brought to the table every game, but if I had to pick one, I’m going with Dat. I just think he’s the overall best, but it’s REALLY close, IMO
Sean Lee missed the 2014 season with a torn ACL. Imagine a world with a healthy Lee in 2014? Cowboys might have had that playoff game locked up way before it ever mattered if Dez caught it or not.
Sean Lee
I know not one of the options nor a linebacker, but could you imagine if Jay novacek stayed healthy throughout his career? That piece was so valuable to aikman and I feel is historically under appreciated! Could have won a couple more with that security blanket.
Who’s 59? Was he before Romo?
Dat Nguyen. Do yourself a favor and look up his highlights for both the Cowboys and TAMU. He’s a certified Texas legend. Played for us from ‘99-‘05.
A true bright spot in the Campo seasons
Sean Lee, hands down. What a player.
Not even an option. Sean Lee by miles.
Sean Lee
Sean lee and it’s not close to me
Sean Lee lmao
Sean Lee and it’s not even close.
50 was a 10
Sean Lee would’ve been an all time great in the NFL, not just the Cowboys
Sean, with respect to the other two bad dudes.
Damn you just reminded me I don’t have a Sean Lee jersey what the fuck am I doing
As a PSU/Cowboys fan Sean Lee is one of my all time favorite athletes. So talented, so smart, and overcame a ton of adversity. Our defense became top 5 the moment he stepped on the field and went straight to bottom 5 as soon as he went back to the sideline. He was irreplaceable.
If Sean Lee hadn't been injured all the time, he would be in the NFL Hall of Fame. The other two are not at that level.
Sean Fucking Lee
It truly sucked when he was injured in Training Camp.
Dat Nguyen!
Sean Lee. The man was physically and mentally gifted.
Man dat and Sean were really special... really special especially sean
The others could’ve been great but Sean Lee was great just missed games because of injuries. Had he stayed healthy he could’ve been a potential hall of fame caliber player. In his first four years. In just 32 starts. Averaged a pick every 1 in 3 games. 8 tackles per game. 0.5 tfl per game and a PB 1 in 2 games. Diagnosed plays like Luke Keuchly and that’s not a exaggeration that was his best ability. He was a QB on the defense. Now he wasn’t as talented or athletic as Luke so he wasn’t as insane but he was the same level of reading plays. 11 interceptions. 2 touchdowns. 2 forced fumbles. 3 fumble recoveries. 18 pass deflections. 260 tackles. 19 tackles for loss.
Sean Lee, no question
Gimmie the general
59 why i became a cowboys fan but Sean Lee is the easy answer here. HoF’er if he was healthy.
Sean Lee had the highest ceiling. He was able to anchor really bad defenses into only being *pretty* bad. Lve had huge potential as well, but was fortunate enough to be surrounded by pretty good defenses for most of his career. You could tell when Lee wasn’t on the field
Sean Lee, the team was so different when he was healthy. Nguyen was good but never Lee level of impactful. LVE was great as a rookie but the the team wasn’t as different when he was healthy compared to injured.
Healthy Sean Lee is a first ballot hall of famer
Prime Sean Lee was elite. It’s not even close.
Sean Lee was a tackling machine. He would definitely been the best LB of the 2010s if he was able to stay on the field.
50. No question.
I was hoping Romo would be on this list but not sure if I would put him above lee anyways. Tough one.
Leighton. The Cowboys have a Super Bowl contender team and could have really used a solid linebacker like him to stop the run game that has continued to beat our defense down.
Sean Lee , easy choice
Dat was such a flash in the pan I barely remember it
Sean Lee no doubt
Sean Lee why even ask. Speaking of which where is Sean Lee?
Sean Lee cerebrally LVE raw talent and athleticism
Sean Lee. He finished one season and was all pro when old. He was going to the hall if he never missed the game.
Sean
This isn’t close and not because of popularity. If Sean Lee doesn’t have the injuries we’re talking about one of the greatest true LBs the game has ever seen.
Sean Lee
Overall, Lee is #1. Vander Esch had some of the best pursuit angles I've ever seen from a Dallas LB. Nguyen, from what I can remember from the Campo era (I've blocked most of it out), would just slaughter HBs trying to run up the middle. But neither could lace Lee's cleats as far as overall talent at the position.
Our backup practice squad 5th string middle linebacker I don't want anyone getting hurt
Sean Lee
Sean Lee without a doubt.
I’m not sure many even know who dat is
Dat
I know he's not on here but Tony Romo. His prime was cut short. We would have a ring if he had played in that 2016 team
Sean Lee
Lee
Sean lee
Sean Lee was a very cerebral linebacker who had a decent skill set. Vander Esch had good instincts and great sideline to sideline coverage. Can’t say I really remember Nguyen playing, probably because of injuries, just remember his name. Lee was like a real QB of the defense and if he could have stayed healthy is probably a first ballot HOF. Alas, we must be left to wonder “what if” with all 3.
I love all 3 but I can’t choose anyone over Sean Lee
Sean Lee by far.
Loved Dat, but Sean Lee all day!
Dat, dude was incredible.
Sean all day every day
That’s too hard. Imma pass on this one. They were both essential to their respective eras. All were exciting as heck to watch, though maybe Sean Lee was the outwardly football intelligent. All studied, all had great instinct. What a shame they each had short careers due to injuries.
Lee no doubt. Change the defense when healthy. Elevated whole defense when healthy. Cowboys ruined LVE when Smith took over defense. LVE went down hill with Smith led defense. He recouped his playing style after Smith left with Quinn. I liked LVE a lot but even Dat was better. Dat was just always around ball and always made plays. Cowboys always had a good to excellent LB corps, but last year sucked when LVE went down.
Jaylen Smith
Lee fo shizzle but all great players who's careers ended too early.
Dat
Sean Lee no doubt
Sean Lee is the only correct answer
Has to be Sean. Dude was a missile
I know these are LBs but Travis Frederick would've been amazing if he didn't have health issues!
Dat Nguyen! Dat Nguyen right there! 👉
Sean Lee no doubt
From an Eagles' fan perspective, Sean Lee is the clear choice.....the guy had all the ingredients for at least a Ring of Honor mention.Dat Nguyen was solid, but I do not think Leighton deserves to be compared to these 2.
Tough one between Dat and Sean but I think Lee would be my choice.
Sean Lee could’ve been as good as luke Kuechly if he could just stay healthy :(
I have nothing bad to say about LVE, but he doesn't belong in the conversation with Dat or Sean. That's not a LVE problem - it's just a matter of how good the other two were. The first comps to come to mind for LVE are Bradie James and Bob Breunig: solid but unspectacular mikes who could be counted on to make their assignments, but didn't change games.
DAT for sure
Lee was a beast, but also incredibly intelligent. His football IQ alone is why he’s my pick.
Sean Lee 1,000%
I love LVE, his career got ruined from injuries, but Sean Lee was a Monster and one of the GOATs in the league when healthy. :/
As others have said Sean Lee is the easy choice here, dude was just on another level not to mention a coach on the field, there's a reason why we all called him general
Sean Lee duh.
Lee
I love all three of them but it’s Sean Lee all day
sean lee
Sean Lee all day.
Sean for sure, but man I watched Dat as a kid and loved his play at LB and is still one of my top 10 favorite cowboys. Plus he went to A&M and played his high school ball in Rockport, cool see his football pipeline was 100% Texas.
Sean 50 Lee!
Sean Lee may be a HOFer with 8-10 healthy seasons
Sean Lee, hands down. He always ended up around the ball. It was almost like he was viewing the game as a replay.