All-Century Dallas Cowboys: The 5 best players in the last 25 years of America's Team include only Hall of Fame-caliber players

Who have been the best Dallas Cowboys players in the last 25 years? 

As part of a five-post series featuring the 25 best players, games, moments, and units since 2000, now we're diving into the Jimmys and Joes. For this post, I focused purely on who I think are the best players on the field. In other words, Hall of Fame caliber players in recent history.

And I should warn you, some of you won't like No. 5 one single bit based on how early it's in his career.

5. DE Micah Parsons

I know, I know. We've only seen four years of Micah Parsons. But I'm not going to lie, I've seen enough to be utterly willing to bet he'll be in the Hall of Fame. He's simply too great not to wind up in Canton, Ohio. 

There's a reason why Parsons and NFL legend Reggie White are the only players to ever record 12 sacks in each of their first four years in the league. Mind you, Parsons played 13 games last year. Heck, I bet he'll finish his career No. 1 on this list. He's got a chance to be one of the greatest players of all time.  

4. LT Tyron Smith

Speaking of Canton, Smith's countdown has begun after retiring earlier this year. The resumé speaks for itself. He's a five-time All-Pro honors tackle. Though only two first-team All-Pro years could keep him from becoming a first-ballot great, he'll end up there. 

He kept Dak Prescott and Tony Romo clean thanks to his alien-like athleticism. For years, he was the ultimate prototype at left tackle. 

3. TE Jason Witten

I don't have to explain Witten, do I? With 13,046 career receiving yards, he ranks second among all-time tight ends and 20th overall. The definition of reliability and perfection is embodied by Witten.

And though he might not be as flashy as Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski and other modern TEs, we're talking about a guy who recorded seven seasons over 900 receiving yards. 

2. RG Zack Martin

If Zack Martin was healthy, he was an All-Pro. Literally. 11 seasons in the NFL, 7 First-Team All-Pros, 2 Second-Team All-Pros. The exceptions were exclusively years when he missed multiple games. This guy needs to be in the Hall of Fame as soon as he's eligible. 

That's crazy to say about a right guard. But it's undeniable. Oh, and just for fun: Don't forget he had the same number of holding calls against him as he did first-team All-Pros. 

1. DE DeMarcus Ware

Ware is already immortalized in the Hall of Fame. It was never in doubt after a 138.5-sack career. Though the Super Bowl ring was won in Denver, the best of his career happened in Dallas, including a 20-sack season, something achieved by only 13 players in official NFL history.

He gets the top spot among players since 2000 for the historic impact of his play.