NFL History: 25 greatest quarterback-tight end duos of all time

Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
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Jay Novacek of the Dallas Cowboys
Jay Novacek of the Dallas Cowboys(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

The 24th greatest quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history: Troy Aikman & Jay Novacek

When people talk about the 90’s Cowboys, it’s all about the ‘Triplets’, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and The Playmaker Michael Irvin. Rarely brought up is tight end Jay Novacek, and that’s really a disservice to his contributions. He was there for all the Super Bowls, was a talented player in his own right, and Aikman loved connecting with him. Unfortunately, the quadruplets just doesn’t have the same ring.

Novacek however, has three rings as he was a Dallas Cowboy from 1990-1995. In his six seasons in Dallas, he was a a five-time Pro bowler as he and Aikman often connected. Their connection was on display in all three Super Bowls where the pair connected 17 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns across the three victories.

In all of the two’s time together, Novacek caught 325 catches, 3,405 yards, and 21 touchdowns in 86 games. While he is often over shadowed in the team’s memories, he was a big part of the team’s and Aikman’s success. Aikman showed him plenty of love on the field, now fans must remember and make sure he’s getting his just due off the field when speaking about the dynasty.