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2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement: Meet the Inductees

By A.J. Fagerlin

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 2: Fans take a photo outside the Hall of Fame prior to the NFL Class of 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2014 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 2: Fans take a photo outside the Hall of Fame prior to the NFL Class of 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2014 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Gil Brandt (L) host of the SiriusXM NFL Radio show talks with Commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Gil Brandt (L) host of the SiriusXM NFL Radio show talks with Commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SiriusXM) /

Gil Brandt, Contributor, Dallas Cowboys and NFL

As the vice president of personnel for the Cowboys, Brandt was instrumental in Dallas’ first run of success as a franchise in the 1960’s and 70’s. Brandt was hired upon the franchise’s conception in 1960 by president and general manager Tex Schramm, who Brandt has served under as a scout with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1950’s.

Through Brandt’s innovative scouting techniques, the Cowboys were able to find hidden gems year after year to form a top-notch team that won 10 or more games in 16 seasons while Brandt was with the team. Dallas won 13 division titles, 6 conference championships and 2 Super Bowls during Brandt’s tenure with the team.

Brandt was able to bring in Hall of Fame players such as Roger Staubach, Randy White, and Tony Dorsett, as well as other notable players like Drew Pearson, Herschel Walker, and Ed “Too Tall” Jones.

Not only did Brandt bring great players to the Cowboys, but his scouting innovation set the tone for scouting departments everywhere. His methods are the standard even today. Brandt was one of the first to utilize computers and other technology to scout players.

He also would use late round picks to draft players with high upside, even if they weren’t necessarily expected to play in the NFL, such as Roger Staubach and Hershel Walker. Brandt was also one of the first executives to find exceptional talent in the undrafted free agent and small college player pool.

Even after his time with the Cowboys, Brandt continues to be instrumental in the growth of the NFL and the draft process. Brandt joined NFL.com at its inception in 1995 and has been a key contributor ever since. He is still considered a top draft expert and still plays a role in the NFL Scouting Combine which he helped create.

Brandt will be presented on Saturday by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

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