SMU Retires Don Meredith's Jersey No. 17

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU honored the legendary Don Meredith by retiring his jersey at halftime of the SMU-Houston football game. Meredith, who wore number 17 during his playing years at SMU (1957-59), was selected to be honored by the SMU Hall of Fame Committee, which is comprised primarily of Lettermen's Club members.

Born April 10, 1938, in Mount Vernon, Texas, Meredith was a two-time All-America selection (1958 & 1959) on the Hilltop, setting a Southwest Conference record with 69.6 completion percentage in 1957. The Chicago Bears then selected Meredith in the third round of the 1960 NFL Draft, but traded him to a young Dallas Cowboys franchise for future draft picks.

Throughout his nine-year career with the Cowboys, "Dandy" Don was one of the Cowboys' most recognizable stars, leading his team to three straight division championships and trips to consecutive NFL Championship games following the 1966 and 1967 seasons.

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Don Meredith's SMU Teammates Say He Was 'Fun'

Grins, slaps on the back and camera flashes dominated a reception Saturday at SMU honoring Don Meredith (’59). Former Mustang football teammates gathered at Heritage Hall in the Loyd All-Sports Center to honor their friend as he returned to SMU to see his No. 17 football jersey retired.

Don Meredith (left) with former Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Robert Staubach at the Oct. 18 ceremony. Both are in the Football Hall of Fame.

Here is what they had to say:

The first time I met Don Meredith I thought he was my best friend. If I ever needed anything, he was there.
~ Dave Sherer (‘59) Mustang end and punter

Don is a great athlete and a great individual.
~ Glynn Gregory (‘61) Mustang halfback on offense, safety on defense

Don is genuinely one of the very best football players. He’s as good a person as he is football player.
~ Boyd Waggoner, (’58) Mustang end

Don is a great guy and a fun guy.
~ Garry Weber (‘58) Mustang guard

He is one of the most fun people I know. That’s the way he played football. He made it fun for everybody.
~ Joe Boudreaux, (’61) Mustang center

Of all the people I met in my athletic career, he was the most talented and the most fun. I caught a number of Don Meredith passes.
~ Buddy Nichols (’61) Mustang end