After Michael Irvin, the Dallas Cowboys' iconic No. 88 jersey was worn by Dez Bryant.
The number 88 holds a revered status within the Dallas Cowboys organization, often symbolizing a premier wide receiver on the team. Michael Irvin, known as "The Playmaker," was a cornerstone of the Cowboys' Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1990s, wearing the jersey from 1988 to 1999. Following Irvin's departure, the jersey remained out of commission for a decade before being passed to the next generational talent.
The Legacy of No. 88
The tradition of the No. 88 jersey began with Drew Pearson, the original "Mr. Clutch," who established the standard for Cowboys receivers. Michael Irvin then elevated its prestige, becoming a Hall of Famer while donning the number. The lineage continued with Dez Bryant, who inherited the number in 2010 and upheld its legacy as a dominant force in the NFL for the Cowboys. Most recently, CeeDee Lamb has taken up the mantle, continuing the tradition into the current era.
The table below illustrates the prominent Dallas Cowboys receivers who have worn the No. 88 jersey, often referred to as "Club 88":
Dallas Cowboys Club 88 Receivers
Receiver | Years | Receiving Yards |
---|---|---|
Drew Pearson | 1973-1983 | 7,822 |
Michael Irvin | 1988-1999 | 11,904 |
Dez Bryant | 2010-2017 | 7,459 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2020-2023 | 5,145+ |
Dez Bryant became the next significant player to wear the No. 88 after Michael Irvin, carrying on the tradition of excellence associated with the jersey.