The Cowboys first-ever draft pick, Bob Lilly (along with journalist Sam Blair), published a photography book called “Reflections” in 1983. Behold Lilly’s photograph of Tony Liscio.
Lake Highlands resident Tony Liscio played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys during a legendary era when Landry coached, Staubach quarterbacked and the Boys brought home the Super Bowl trophy. Today he talks about the glory years both then and now, his post football life, and his thoughts on America’s Team today.
What years were you with the Cowboys?
I played for the Cowboys from 1963 until January 1972. I had a bad back and a bad knee, but the Cowboys traded me … I decided to go ahead and retire. I went home and was working in real estate. I was trying to get my broker’s license.
But then they needed you again?
Yep. Coach [Tom] Landry called me up and said they needed me to play. I said sure, but I wasn’t too sure … at that point I hadn’t played a game in a year and they needed me to start against the Redskins, our biggest rivals who were a half a game ahead of us in standings — back then you could tie games, thus the half game. And we had to play them in Washington. Then just three days later, we had to play the LA Rams — two tough games in four days. But we won and went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
Being on the losing end of the 1970 Super Bowl, how would you have felt if they’d gone back in 1971 and won the Super Bowl without you?
Oh, I still would have been happy for them. I love the Cowboys — I would have felt good anyway. But being there just sort of topped off a great run.
What was it like working for the legendary Tom Landry?
Some guys had problems with him. He wasn’t really a motivator. He was a football guy — real sharp. You know, he was the offensive and defensive coordinator. He ran complicated plays like the Flea Flicker and combination blocks, and he expected even the linemen to study and understand the plays. Some other coaches just expect linemen won’t get it. The guys that complained about Landry were mostly those who didn’t live up to his expectations.
Do you still keep in touch with any of the guys you played with?
Yes, some of us old guys have stuck together overt the years — I see Roger [Staubach], Bob Lilly, Leroy Jordon.
Tell us about the work you do with the NFL Player’s Association these days?
In cooperation with the Dallas Housing Department, we get together to help tear down and rebuild condemned houses in the area — that’s one of the main projects I’ve been working on. We’ve also helps raise money for kids at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital … along with various other projects.
I hear you spend a lot of time watching your grandchildren play sports around town.
Yes. I have five grandchildren that are into all kinds of sports — soccer, volleyball, baseball.
Why do you think sports are important?
Well first, it teaches discipline. They learn to listen and respond to direction and guidance. Sports keep kids out of trouble and out from in front of the TV. They learn about structure, and it’s a way for them to learn to work with other kids and build friendships.
What are your thoughts about the goings on around the Dallas Cowboys organization these days?
They’ve been in the middle of a rebuilding period for a while now. They weren’t doing a good job of drafting until Parcell got there — he really started rebuilding the team. As far as the controversy behind bringing on [Adam] “Pac Man” Jones … [Jones] is on his last leg. Either he will do OK or he won’t and then they’ll just let him go. But they don’t really have a lot to lose by giving the guy a chance — and if he goes out there and redeems himself, that’s a great credit to him and good for the team.
