Dat Nguyen

Dat Nguyen has overcome long odds his entire life. The son of Vietnamese immigrants, Nguyen has battled the perception that he was too small to play football for as long as he has been involved in the game. After securing a scholarship to Texas A&M University, Nguyen proceeded to re-write the defensive record books in College Station. He left A&M as the Aggies career leader in consecutive starts (51), tackles (517), and tackles per game average (10.5). The Cowboys drafted him in the 3rd round in 1999, and he immediately paid dividends, leading the team in special teams tackles. Since becoming the starting middle linebacker in 2000, Nguyen has consistently led the Cowboys defense in tackles. His 172 tackles in 2001 are the second most in team history. He is actively involved in local charities like, "Let Us Play!", the Salvations Army's "Blitz Hunger", the Children's Cancer Fund and Make a Wish. Dat speaks on teamwork, motivation, and overcoming obstacles.