I remember Bill Bates well. The only guy to tackle Earl Campbell by himself and taken out on a stretcher, only to return later in the game. Bill Bates was an awesome player and probably will never be duplicated again.
I grew up with Bill Bates Concord TN. Village Green sub. Went to Farragut High. Farragut was USN 1st ADM civil war. town now named Farragut . I have not seen him sense 1979 grad year.
Dang Logical, this one really hit home. It took me back to the days when my Dad was still alive and we watched the games together, Bill Bates was our favorite player, there was a running joke in the house, if Bates didn’t make the tackle, he was in on the tackle, if he wasn’t in on the tackle he was down in the corner of your television screen getting chippy with some opposing teams player. Bates was ALL heart, you could see it in the way he carried himself. His play was second to none, I agree it’s time Jones and the NFL recognizes his contributions to the game. Bill Bates revolutionized the position and the game just like John Madden and Pat Summerall revolutionized television sportscasting and just like you, Logical, revolutionized video analysis of Dallas Cowboy players. You’re the best man, thanks for what you do!
I believe we need to pray for Bill Bates. Last i heard his health wasnt good at all. If anyone has any updates please share. Prayers up for one of tbe best Cowboys ever.
Sorry, my brother, but the title of this video is all wrong. As a 57 year old 2nd generation lifelong Cowboys fanatic, I can definitely say that Bill Bates was exactly as good as I thought he was. He's in my top 10 all-time favorite Cowboys legends.
As a 60 year old, I agree with your statement. I've seen all their Super Bowls and playoff games over the years and defensively, I'd take a tough nosed Bill Bates over a lot of these modern day Cowboys(even Parsons). It's amazing that Bates' fate will be much like Dak Prescott's: under appreciated.
@@gregzeigler3850 I'm 74 and have been watching the Cowboys since 1960. Love these post on the older players. Bates was an amazing player. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a Special Teams Player. He was the first ever and the PB position was created because of Bill Bates. Should be a Bill Bates Special Team NFL Player of the Year in his honor.
Great content. I love Bates but I feel him and Downs stats benefited greatly from Landrys play calling and schemes. That being said if Bates and Randy White got into a fight Bates would keep getting up until he couldnt..then he would try to bite the Mansters ankles.
The legendary tale/idiom states, “It is not the size of the Dawg (dog) in the Fight, it is the size of THE Fight in the Dawg (dog)!” This sums up Bill Bates to perfection, as there is simply no way someone his size should have attained the amount of success which Bates did in his professional career. Bates is THE one ☝🏼 player from the Tom Landry teams which I was so proud to see become a Super Bowl Champion. Bates belongs in Canton!!!! 🍻🇺🇸🙏🏼🇺🇸🍻
You should have a million followers. Not only do I learn something about the Cowboys, but I learn about football. Great job. Thanks. I’m glad Bates stuck around long enough to get three Super Bowl rings. He seemed eternal back then.
I recall watching GA play Tennessee when Hershel was at GA and Bill Bates was at Tenn and I saw that play live. Hershel broke into the open field and Bill got set, got low and tried to stick him. Hershel ran him over and scored. But the fact that Bates was willing to take him head on showed that he feared nothing. Hershel ran over everyone in college.
Great video. Bill Bates was exactly who I wanted to be playing high school football. He never gave up and was involved in what seemed to be every play. I was very happy when he continued to play for Dallas after Jimmy came in and got a few Super Bowl rings. He definitely deserved it. Thank you LC for a well done and thoroughly researched video.
Cowboys really need a Bill Bates type now. Bates was a fan favorite his entire career. Guy played hard and had heart. He bridged the gap between the Dallas dynasty’s. I was stoked to see him make a play against the Bears in that long Dallas playoff drought and finally the next season get a SB ring. Great stuff ⭐️
That's a great point! I really can't remember the last time we had a player that was a fan favorite like Bates. Jeff Heaf was nowhere near the safety Bates was. But a lot of fans loved him. Especially in the 4th quarter. Always seemed to come up with an interception or some kind of Turnover. But just faded away later in his career.
Too many “look at me” attitudes in the NFL now, kickoffs are hardly returned and guys don’t know how to tackle anymore, don’t want to bruise their arms and mess up their tattoos!!
Problem is,these modern players don't practice tackling.There soft. They might be bigger stronger and faster. But they got no attitude and just all favored in the offense. Now it's patiful to watch football now
He just made plays that made coaches keep him on the team. Even Jimmy said practice when it was just shorts and no pads, Bill Bates lit up Herschel Walker. We all know him as the special team ace, but he made plays at the right time. The Chicago wildcard interception especially. Working his way back from ACL tear in 1993. By that point he had more than earned his spot on the team. Sadly his family said that he has onset dementia back in 2020 and most like has CTE. The years of going all out in football caught him just like others who played this sport.
Yeah it's sad, man. Bill Bates was like a smaller version of Randy "Manster" White. White was like a middle.. Bates was like a torpedo. He was a great tackler and made plays at the right time.. very smart defender, and very hard-nosed as a player. There was a reason Jimmy Johnson kept him after taking over the Cowboys. Bates should definitely be in the Hall of Fame and the RoH. I'm 55 now and my memories of his days playing is so fresh that it's so sad to know that he's in decline due to CTE.
Maybe there's hope to find how to stop CTE using some radical stroke therapies or using TNF, some microcurrent using 10-24hz. Gotta save him so he can tell stories for RoH. 15 years being a Cowboy...A Leader!
@@franklopeziilmtmti603 sadly no there is nothing to stop it especially dementia. 60 Minutes did a segment last Sunday where they are trying to use ultrasound to open up the blood brain barrier enough to let the 2 FDA medications be more effective and enter the brain. Sadly there's nothing to cure dementia related diseases. Anyone who finds the cure or slow down the disease enough for them to live a full life will get a Nobel Prize in medicine.
I don’t remember too much about my day-to-day childhood activities but I do remember meeting Bill Bates at a Brad Sham interview in Medallion Center back when he was a rookie. My dad was awesome with taking me to events like that! I still have Bill’s autographed 8x10 from that evening.
Awesome video. Well argued case. That's why Bates is on my All Time Cowboys roster as SP Ace/Safety. After growing up in the 80s I was so glad that he stayed around long enough to win Super Bowls. He missed SB XXVII out with what could have been a career ending injury, and showed his desire and determination by rehabbing in his 30s to come back strong and play in the Super Bowl the next year....and for several more years.
Great post as always bro! Bates was one of my favorite players in the 90s. And he was past his prime by then. I can't imagine the iconic buzz he had in the 80s!
As a kid growing up in Dallas in the 80s Bates was my favorite player. He was a Tazmanian devil on the field and a stand up guy off of it. An outspoken Christian, he spoke at my church when I was in third grade. I was so upset because I couldn't attend because I was having surgery for a torn ACL (third grade if you can believe it). He autographed a program for me which I have to this day.
Due to the current state of our team, and the last few weeks of dark depression, this is a breath of fresh air.... Love the OG footage of Fouts and Vermiel on the Color analysis, priceless..... Brought me back to my childhood. Thanks again for the impeccable content.....
My favorite quote about Bill Bates came from John Madden, "Every game starts with a kick. With Bill Bates on the field, every game begins with a bang!" I'm really glad he was on the roster in the 90s when Jimmy Johnson took the team back to the Super Bowl.
Everytime I think of Bill Bates the first thing that comes to mind "tough, gritty and smart". When he played you knew he left all on the field. LC thanks for showing me a different side to Bill Bates. He was a high breed defensive player. Thank you for this great episode have a great weekend, God bless you.
Bates was a PHENOMENAL tackler. Loved the passion Bill played with. As usual, great video man. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and sharing. ⭐️
As hard as it is these days to be a fan, I proudly wear my #40 cowboys Jersey (Bates) every season! It was awesome and inspiring watching this man play. Till this day I always root for the underdogs because of my all time favorite player, Billy Bates!!!
You’re right man, it is so hard to stay true. This owner is the worst in sports but the team wins a lot of games so it doesn’t get noticed. I despise Jerry Jones.
Sir, I must compliment you on your most thorough and dedicated research on the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Thank you for all of the the hard working time and effort that you have put in.. And I am hopeful that there are a few more other Cowboy fans out there just like you. You are a most loyal and devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and I love watching your video presentations. I have to also ask why isn't Bill Bates in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and also the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor ?
Played with Bill in High School Our entire defense had Bill's agressiveness. It was really fun. We were coached by the famous Ken Sparks who was absolutely the best I ever played for. But Bill had it all. He is a HOF player.
I think Ken Sparks is on the top 5 all time winning coach in College football. His high school teams were often in the state playoffs and ranked in the nation which being from Tennessee was amazing in those days. 1977-1982? He then went on to coach a Div 2 school (Carson Newman) who won several national championships. He would often take players who had been kicked off Div 1 (Notre Dame, Penn St, Fla St, Tenn, etc.)teams and coach them in life as well as football and have many NFL players and successful citizens. He and Tony Dungee were very good friends. . @@thelogicalcowboy
Bill Bates was, possibly, my dad's favorite player ever. He loved his grit and determination to stay on the team and be someone who the coaches HAD to keep on the team.
After Landry was replaced, Bates was among the few that coach Johnston kept on the team. I remember seeing a video of Johnston being interviewed. As he was talking about hard work and self starters,The camera man panned over to Bates doing pull ups by himself..this guys motor never stopped and would be constantly told by coaches to ease up in practice. That wasnt going to happen. Thanks for this video.
After listening to Michael Irvin on Joe Buck, Irvin told Jimmy Johnson there were Cowboys playing just for the check. Jimmy was still coaching the Hurricanes and when he got the call to coach the Cowboys, needless to say, Irvin and Johnson came to win. A lot of those that did not care about winning were gone. Jimmy Johnson was not having that mediocre attitude. That's what is missing from the Cowboys.
When Bill Bates was a rookie, he was like a hyper, mischievous ram going about hitting everything in sight. One instance, he came flying thru and hit Randy White. White immediately responded with, "GAWD DAMN IT, BOY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE HITTING!" Shortly after, they bought a yellow flashing light and placed it on top of his helmet.
@@thelogicalcowboy it was on NFL Network and the John Madden loved the story and several times mentioned it during a Cowboy broadcast. I believe Cliff Harris and Charlie Waters pitched in for the gag gift so everyone knows where Bates is during practice.
I remember him during the preseason his rookie year and he was impressive. Not many undrafted free agents ever make an NFL roster. The teams and players that underestimated him only did it once.
Bill Bates seems like the type of guy to show up to your wedding wearing a tshirt with wolves on it or in a bolo tie..but everyone is super happy to see him there just the same
Love me some Bill Bates...!! I was fortunate enough to get one of his autographed gameday shoes over 25 years ago. He brought so much energy and passion every week...sure do miss seeing that.
Great video! The thing that I remember most about Bill Bates is, that as athleticism goes, Bates disappeared in the crowd. However, when it came to pure heart, he was head and shoulders above the league. I remember here Dale Lundquist reporting on his training camp talking about Bates tying a rope around his waist and the other end to a golf cart and getting pulled for the purpose of help him work on his speed. I'm with you on the HOF and ROH. I would really have to think about it for a while to decide if there is anyone in the league today that plays with a heart like his. Outstanding work my friend!
What a great video on one of my favorite players as a kid. Billy Bates was the first “Special Teams Specialist “ in the NFL (along with Steve Tasker). Even though I watched him late in his career(1989-on), he was always all over the field. Glad to see he is still remembered and a new generation can watch this and learn about unheralded Dallas legends.
I will always remember I was in high school when during a preseason game in his rookie season Bates was making play after play after play. He was hitting everyone and the announcers kept saying that he was dubbed my a teacher as the bully in the schoolyard. He was great in Landry’s system and continued to be great in special teams and into the Jimmy Johnson system.
I remember the cowboys were losing bad one game and there was a loose ball. Everyone stopped because it was a dead ball but the whistle had not been blown. Bates and Randy White hustled like it was a tied game trying to jump on the ball....
This is GREAT work man! My favorite team growing up in the 70s and 80s were the St Louis Cardinals - always fighting it out with Dallas for the NFC East. Bill Bates lived in my nightmares, lol. But I sure respected him.
I think for the younger generation these videos are needed. For some reason we (I’m 50 years old) were educated in sports history before information was so accessible. I don’t feel most young folks know the generations of sports before them and the sports media is awful and has a case of “Greatest (insert game, player,etc) of all time” bias. So I really enjoy seeing young folks look back at history and be accurate as well. Great job!
Bill Bates was a terrific players. He could tackle real well. Very smart in reading defenses. Great on special teams. He was a terrific athlete. He never taunted any player. He would let his play show how good he was. One of my cowboy favorites
I didn’t think I could like Bill Bates more, until I saw this video. Your insight into these players and schemes and coaches from so long ago is remarkable.
Bill Bates was the NFL version of Iron Man.He played defense and special teams revolutionizing and impacting how the NFL perceived special teams.If he was allowed to you know he would play offense as well.
This is probably your best video and they are ALL great. The Cowboy defensive backs in the later Landry era were fun to watch and performed well in the defensive schemes. Those risky blitzes were also burned many times but overall it all made for exciting football. Bates' work ethic and all-out effort are deserving of a HOF pick. And you hereby called it. I hear Bates is having some health problems as of late, so the HOF move would be nice to see sooner than later.
Bill Bates was one of my heros growing in the DFW area. He was the ultimate utility player. Effective in so many positions. And was, if I remember, one of the hardest hitters in the NFL throughout his career.
Wow! I'm a native Texan, and been a Cowboys fan since I knew what football was in the 60s. Bill Bates has been a name I've heard time and time again for his plays on defense and special teams during all those games. Great video and awesome research on your part. I had no idea he was this impactful for Landry's plans and schemes, but I kept seeing him make all these great plays. I had paid attention to Charlie Waters and Cliff Harris as safeties, but Bill took it to another level. To be honest, all of those guys from back in the day who made Dallas a great franchise live in my memory. Lily, Pugh, Jordan, Garrison, Meredith, Staubach, Pearson, Hayes, White, Martin, of course LANDRY, Tex Schramm, etc. I love the OLD franchise of our beloved Cowboys. This regime under Jerry Jones makes me want to puke. I'll leave it at that and hang onto my memories of great times past. So much history and greatness, some of it has not been acknowledged. Drew finally got in the HOF last year. Keep the content coming Bro!
You, my friend are analytical greatness! Awesome video! I remember Bill well from his rookie season all the way to the end and he was great! Tuinei and he were the only long time Landry Cowboys who got to play in the Super Bowls. Bill being a fan favorite is an understatement, during Jimmy's training camps everyone always felt it was going to be Bill's last year due to aging and he never having elite speed. There was always a special cheer that went up for him when he made it to the final 53. Ended up, he was there after Jimmy.
Bill Bates was a no-fear, hard as nails player ever bit as tough as his predecessors Cliff Harris and Charlie Waters. He was a demon on special teams too.
Couldve easily whined & complained about the transition from Landry to Jerry & Jimmy like most fans did back then, but he kept working hard & was an excellent teammate & gelled well within the 90s system.
Love the content. As much as I love Bill Bates, I never thought I would see content about Bill Bates greatness. I always thought he should’ve received ROH consideration but never thought it was realistic with so many Dallas greats not in currently . And I agree with your opinion that he deserves HOF consideration as a special teamer. Loved your rationalization for it as well. Keep up the good work. Love the content.
Bates was a beast, incredibly disciplined and as a result, was very consistent throughout his career. He should most definitely be in the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Bill Bates wasn’t quite at a “Ronnie Lott Level”, but factoring in his consistency, durability and never ending high level of motivation and he was a lot better than a lot of people realize. Tough as nails. Always ready. A special team monster.
Bill Bates was a player that influenced me to want to play the game. He always brought the house and taught me what it meant to leave it all on the field 🎯
I love watching your perspective on players I grew up watching and players during the ‘80s that don’t get their due because they didn’t play in the Dallas Championship years. Great job on this vid and all your vids, Brother. 👍
@@thelogicalcowboy And he had longevity played a long time. gunner of course and kickoff kamikaze. I agree he did change or move the game forward. The anti dallas hall of fame voters keep greats out of the hall of fame. Even our own voters like rich gosselin and charean williams are actually anti homers
Well now, it takes some courage to let the cat out of the bag as being rental property..... Great "slip" of the key....., Riotous..... "Whoring for 40," you go fascia man.....!!
Cowboy fans haven't had a fan favorite in decades. Not one of the current players even comes close to filling the ranks of a Bill Bates, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmett Smith, Roger Staubauch, Ed Too Tall Jones, Randy White, Drew Peerson, Chuck Longley, Don Meredith, Tony Dorsett, Harvey Martin, Larry Allen, Nate Newton, Hollywood Henderson etc etc. The last 25 years no Cowboys player has broken into this storied rank.
I was really happy when Bill Bates got that Superbowl ring. Actually he has three now, but he was playing just as hard when the Cowboys were TERRIBLE. One of my all time favorite Dallas Cowboys for sure.
I feel like I need to start paying you for your videos. Better than anything on networks. I worried every offseason that Johnson might move on from Bates & Jeffcoat before they got rings.
Wow Landry was lowkey ahead of his time running that 40 D with Mitchell along with Hegman in ‘78. Sort of what Dan Quinn is doing now currently in Dallas.
I'm currently doing a study on buddy Ryan's 46 defense and landry's 40 defense. Two concepts that are weirdly similar. But yeah, you're right. Landry was ahead of his time. The goat defensive coach.
Amazing breakdown. Some NFL team needs to hire you as an analyst. I am convinced that you would add value to any squad that was astute enough to hire you.
As a 50yr old now.I didn’t look up to any other pro.I only looked up to Bill Bates!I was undersized just like him an no one wanted to give me a chance at LB.I proved them all wrong lol.Played at Memphis state in the early 90’s.We called a hybrid LB a rover/monsterman/strong safety.Coach had multiple names for my/Bills position.One play I’d be in the middle backer position and the next I’d be protecting the slot receiver.Weird huh!Bill sure gave me inspiration to play harder and hit harder than anyone on my team.Id love to meet him!
I've watched this video about 5times. Bates is 1of my all time favorite COWBOYS. Aye can you do 1on Jay Nova'Cane. Thats what my uncle Wayne called him. R.I.P. Unc.
😂 thanks, bro! Yeah, I had a video on Jay Novachek but it's an old video. I can do better in the overall argument and production. I'll redo it for you bro!
1000% he’s a HOFer but I’m a die hard Cowboys fan and watched every down this dude played and I also know there’s an anti-bias against the Cowboys so will he every be put in probably not but I loved watching 40 go up and down that field and get a SB
You are amazing with your analysis, study and presentation wow! Jerry needs to put Bill Bates in the ROH this year and Bill needs to go into the NFL HOF asap. Sad that the NFL HOF does not care for the Dallas Cowboys.
I've never been a Cowboys fan to say the least. Especially since Jerry. Bill Bates was the most exciting player in those years of mediocre Landry teams. And living in Texas you got every Cowboys game no matter what their record was.
Yeah, Bill was my favorite player for a long time, in my completely biased opinion he should be in HOF and ROH, but you helped solidify my belief in that. Great video as usual.
Great video. I just stumbled across it. Bill Bates also known as the Wedge Buster, from were I'm from. Definitely should be in the ring of honor and the Hall of Fame. This man was no joke. He is one of my all time favorite Cowboys. I Agree he did change the game. l also believe he is the reason for the 1994 kick off rule change in witch the NFL decided to kick the ball off from 30 yard line instead of the 35 yard line.That's just my opinion though. Thanks for great video.
Bill the Beast. Bill was one of the Best Dallas Cowboys ever. Issue he came in under Landry. So Jerry well he is Jerry. But yes he should be not on just one of those but both. Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor.
The videos you put together are really great fun to watch. The Old-Timers are the best however. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated. Especially since I have not watched pro Sports in 7-8 years.
I remember Bill Bates well. The only guy to tackle Earl Campbell by himself and taken out on a stretcher, only to return later in the game. Bill Bates was an awesome player and probably will never be duplicated again.
A once in a lifetime talent.
I grew up with Bill Bates Concord TN. Village Green sub. Went to Farragut High. Farragut was USN 1st ADM civil war. town now named Farragut . I have not seen him sense 1979 grad year.
@@rodleithner7931sense or since?
Didn't Herschel Walker truck him
yep.@@lakeside2390
After going through the tough years, I was glad to see Bill was around when the Cowboys won the Super Bowl.
I agree
Bates won all three super bowls in the 90s with the Cowboys.
Me too, Bill Bates and Jim Jeffcoat were from the Landry/Danny White days.
@@billbates5475 And the late Mark Tuinei. They all came into the league in 1983.
Dang Logical, this one really hit home. It took me back to the days when my Dad was still alive and we watched the games together, Bill Bates was our favorite player, there was a running joke in the house, if Bates didn’t make the tackle, he was in on the tackle, if he wasn’t in on the tackle he was down in the corner of your television screen getting chippy with some opposing teams player. Bates was ALL heart, you could see it in the way he carried himself. His play was second to none, I agree it’s time Jones and the NFL recognizes his contributions to the game. Bill Bates revolutionized the position and the game just like John Madden and Pat Summerall revolutionized television sportscasting and just like you, Logical, revolutionized video analysis of Dallas Cowboy players. You’re the best man, thanks for what you do!
Great Post!!
😂 😂
How true. I told my daughter the same thing. He was always there.
Same here, my father, brother, and I would always watch for him on kick offs. He was a great talent and fun to watch.
Hell yeah, I remember Bill Bates. A very underrated player.
Outside of Dallas Cowboys fans he does not receive enough recognition.
Cool upload.
Thanks bro!
I believe we need to pray for Bill Bates. Last i heard his health wasnt good at all. If anyone has any updates please share. Prayers up for one of tbe best Cowboys ever.
Amen 🙏
@@thelogicalcowboy Amen was Ruler in Africa he had Nation bow down to his name for thousand of years and still going today 🙏🏼 Wow
@@trollpuppetmaster6878Dumba$$
His family released a media statement about 4 years ago saying he is beginning to deal with the effects of concussion related dementia.
Sorry, my brother, but the title of this video is all wrong. As a 57 year old 2nd generation lifelong Cowboys fanatic, I can definitely say that Bill Bates was exactly as good as I thought he was. He's in my top 10 all-time favorite Cowboys legends.
Alright... you almost had me there!! Good post!
As a 60 year old, I agree with your statement. I've seen all their Super Bowls and playoff games over the years and defensively, I'd take a tough nosed Bill Bates over a lot of these modern day Cowboys(even Parsons). It's amazing that Bates' fate will be much like Dak Prescott's: under appreciated.
@@gregzeigler3850 I'm 74 and have been watching the Cowboys since 1960. Love these post on the older players. Bates was an amazing player. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a Special Teams Player. He was the first ever and the PB position was created because of Bill Bates.
Should be a Bill Bates Special Team NFL Player of the Year in his honor.
Right there with you, 313, 2nd gen., 68 yr. old, lifelong Cowboy fan.
Great content. I love Bates but I feel him and Downs stats benefited greatly from Landrys play calling and schemes. That being said if Bates and Randy White got into a fight Bates would keep getting up until he couldnt..then he would try to bite the Mansters ankles.
The legendary tale/idiom states, “It is not the size of the Dawg (dog) in the Fight, it is the size of THE Fight in the Dawg (dog)!” This sums up Bill Bates to perfection, as there is simply no way someone his size should have attained the amount of success which Bates did in his professional career. Bates is THE one ☝🏼 player from the Tom Landry teams which I was so proud to see become a Super Bowl Champion. Bates belongs in Canton!!!! 🍻🇺🇸🙏🏼🇺🇸🍻
You should have a million followers. Not only do I learn something about the Cowboys, but I learn about football. Great job. Thanks. I’m glad Bates stuck around long enough to get three Super Bowl rings. He seemed eternal back then.
Thanks for the compliment it really means a lot.
Hell yes he should have a million followers, every Cowboys fan on RUclips should be in on this.
I recall watching GA play Tennessee when Hershel was at GA and Bill Bates was at Tenn and I saw that play live. Hershel broke into the open field and Bill got set, got low and tried to stick him. Hershel ran him over and scored. But the fact that Bates was willing to take him head on showed that he feared nothing. Hershel ran over everyone in college.
Great video. Bill Bates was exactly who I wanted to be playing high school football. He never gave up and was involved in what seemed to be every play. I was very happy when he continued to play for Dallas after Jimmy came in and got a few Super Bowl rings. He definitely deserved it. Thank you LC for a well done and thoroughly researched video.
Bates was like a cult hero! One of the most famous Cowboys ever. Thanks bro!
Cowboys really need a Bill Bates type now. Bates was a fan favorite his entire career. Guy played hard and had heart. He bridged the gap between the Dallas dynasty’s. I was stoked to see him make a play against the Bears in that long Dallas playoff drought and finally the next season get a SB ring. Great stuff ⭐️
That's a great point! I really can't remember the last time we had a player that was a fan favorite like Bates. Jeff Heaf was nowhere near the safety Bates was. But a lot of fans loved him. Especially in the 4th quarter. Always seemed to come up with an interception or some kind of Turnover. But just faded away later in his career.
Too many “look at me” attitudes in the NFL now, kickoffs are hardly returned and guys don’t know how to tackle anymore, don’t want to bruise their arms and mess up their tattoos!!
One thing was he was from local Farragut HS, which has sent several players to UT. It's always a top program
Problem is,these modern players don't practice tackling.There soft. They might be bigger stronger and faster. But they got no attitude and just all favored in the offense. Now it's patiful to watch football now
He was my favorite.
He has my vote for the ring of honor and the hall of fame as he should for everybody else.
Exactly
He just made plays that made coaches keep him on the team. Even Jimmy said practice when it was just shorts and no pads, Bill Bates lit up Herschel Walker. We all know him as the special team ace, but he made plays at the right time. The Chicago wildcard interception especially. Working his way back from ACL tear in 1993. By that point he had more than earned his spot on the team. Sadly his family said that he has onset dementia back in 2020 and most like has CTE. The years of going all out in football caught him just like others who played this sport.
Always a good post, bro! Wow. You confirmed what I read about. Sad news.
Yeah it's sad, man. Bill Bates was like a smaller version of Randy "Manster" White. White was like a middle.. Bates was like a torpedo. He was a great tackler and made plays at the right time.. very smart defender, and very hard-nosed as a player. There was a reason Jimmy Johnson kept him after taking over the Cowboys. Bates should definitely be in the Hall of Fame and the RoH. I'm 55 now and my memories of his days playing is so fresh that it's so sad to know that he's in decline due to CTE.
Maybe there's hope to find how to stop CTE using some radical stroke therapies or using TNF, some microcurrent using 10-24hz.
Gotta save him so he can tell stories for RoH. 15 years being a Cowboy...A Leader!
Bates got lit up by Hershel Walker at Tennessee when Hershel was an 18 year old freshman.
@@franklopeziilmtmti603 sadly no there is nothing to stop it especially dementia. 60 Minutes did a segment last Sunday where they are trying to use ultrasound to open up the blood brain barrier enough to let the 2 FDA medications be more effective and enter the brain. Sadly there's nothing to cure dementia related diseases. Anyone who finds the cure or slow down the disease enough for them to live a full life will get a Nobel Prize in medicine.
I don’t remember too much about my day-to-day childhood activities but I do remember meeting Bill Bates at a Brad Sham interview in Medallion Center back when he was a rookie. My dad was awesome with taking me to events like that! I still have Bill’s autographed 8x10 from that evening.
Wow! Thanks for sharing!
Awesome video. Well argued case. That's why Bates is on my All Time Cowboys roster as SP Ace/Safety. After growing up in the 80s I was so glad that he stayed around long enough to win Super Bowls. He missed SB XXVII out with what could have been a career ending injury, and showed his desire and determination by rehabbing in his 30s to come back strong and play in the Super Bowl the next year....and for several more years.
Great post as always bro! Bates was one of my favorite players in the 90s. And he was past his prime by then. I can't imagine the iconic buzz he had in the 80s!
As a kid growing up in Dallas in the 80s Bates was my favorite player. He was a Tazmanian devil on the field and a stand up guy off of it. An outspoken Christian, he spoke at my church when I was in third grade. I was so upset because I couldn't attend because I was having surgery for a torn ACL (third grade if you can believe it). He autographed a program for me which I have to this day.
Wow! Thanks for sharing!
Due to the current state of our team, and the last few weeks of dark depression, this is a breath of fresh air.... Love the OG footage of Fouts and Vermiel on the Color analysis, priceless..... Brought me back to my childhood. Thanks again for the impeccable content.....
Thanks for watching brother!!
My favorite quote about Bill Bates came from John Madden, "Every game starts with a kick. With Bill Bates on the field, every game begins with a bang!" I'm really glad he was on the roster in the 90s when Jimmy Johnson took the team back to the Super Bowl.
Yep was about to put that in but ran out of time. A great quote!
I wonder what John madden would think of the new kickoff rules
Everytime I think of Bill Bates
the first thing that comes to mind "tough, gritty and smart". When he played you knew he left all on the field. LC thanks for showing me a different side to Bill Bates. He was a high breed defensive player. Thank you for this great episode have a great weekend, God bless you.
Great post as always. Appreciate you brother. Enjoy your weekend and be safe.
Whenever I think of Bill Bates, the image of him flying down the field and finding the guy with the ball and laying him out is what I first think of.
Bates was a PHENOMENAL tackler. Loved the passion Bill played with. As usual, great video man. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and sharing. ⭐️
Appreciate you, bro. 🙏
Yes! I remember when he PHENOMENALLY got ran over by freshman Hershel Walker when Bates played at Tennessee in 1980.
This man should be in the HOF! They made a pro bowl position because of him!! Bates 40 was a wrecking machine
Facts
As hard as it is these days to be a fan, I proudly wear my #40 cowboys Jersey (Bates) every season! It was awesome and inspiring watching this man play. Till this day I always root for the underdogs because of my all time favorite player, Billy Bates!!!
Wow! Thanks for sharing that.
You’re right man, it is so hard to stay true. This owner is the worst in sports but the team wins a lot of games so it doesn’t get noticed. I despise Jerry Jones.
Hes my uncle, its cool to see people still enjoy how good he was at football, truly a legend.
@liffuu
Your uncle was an honor to watch! Thanks for watching!
Sir, I must compliment you on your most thorough and dedicated research on the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Thank you for all of the the hard working time and effort that you have put in.. And I am hopeful that there are a few more other Cowboy fans out there just like you. You are a most loyal and devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and I love watching your video presentations. I have to also ask why isn't Bill Bates in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and also the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor ?
Thanks, bro for the compliments! Really means a lot!
I love that helping a ref. Im watching as I write this. He's really underrated and he kicked ass.
He truly is
Played with Bill in High School Our entire defense had Bill's agressiveness. It was really fun. We were coached by the famous Ken Sparks who was absolutely the best I ever played for. But Bill had it all. He is a HOF player.
Wow!
I think Ken Sparks is on the top 5 all time winning coach in College football. His high school teams were often in the state playoffs and ranked in the nation which being from Tennessee was amazing in those days. 1977-1982? He then went on to coach a Div 2 school (Carson Newman) who won several national championships. He would often take players who had been kicked off Div 1 (Notre Dame, Penn St, Fla St, Tenn, etc.)teams and coach them in life as well as football and have many NFL players and successful citizens. He and Tony Dungee were very good friends. . @@thelogicalcowboy
Ditto!
Great vid. I always loved Bill and thought he was good but I didn't realize that he blazed trails. He should be in the ring for heart if nothing else.
Thanks bro 🙏
Bill Bates was, possibly, my dad's favorite player ever. He loved his grit and determination to stay on the team and be someone who the coaches HAD to keep on the team.
The ultimate pro!
After Landry was replaced, Bates was among the few that coach Johnston kept on the team. I remember seeing a video of Johnston being interviewed. As he was talking about hard work and self starters,The camera man panned over to Bates doing pull ups by himself..this guys motor never stopped and would be constantly told by coaches to ease up in practice. That wasnt going to happen. Thanks for this video.
Thanks even more for that story! Wow!
After listening to Michael Irvin on Joe Buck, Irvin told Jimmy Johnson there were Cowboys playing just for the check. Jimmy was still coaching the Hurricanes and when he got the call to coach the Cowboys, needless to say, Irvin and Johnson came to win. A lot of those that did not care about winning were gone. Jimmy Johnson was not having that mediocre attitude. That's what is missing from the Cowboys.
I remember Jimmy Johnson cutting cowboys legends like Everson walls and randy white
When Bill Bates was a rookie, he was like a hyper, mischievous ram going about hitting everything in sight. One instance, he came flying thru and hit Randy White. White immediately responded with, "GAWD DAMN IT, BOY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE HITTING!" Shortly after, they bought a yellow flashing light and placed it on top of his helmet.
Wow!!! That's a true story?
@@thelogicalcowboy it was on NFL Network and the John Madden loved the story and several times mentioned it during a Cowboy broadcast. I believe Cliff Harris and Charlie Waters pitched in for the gag gift so everyone knows where Bates is during practice.
I remember him during the preseason his rookie year and he was impressive. Not many undrafted free agents ever make an NFL roster. The teams and players that underestimated him only did it once.
Lol facts!
Bill Bates seems like the type of guy to show up to your wedding wearing a tshirt with wolves on it or in a bolo tie..but everyone is super happy to see him there just the same
😂 😂
My favorite Cowboys of all time !! I believe he played with his hand wrapped up.
I miss Wild Bill Bates... what I miss most is all those Pep Rallys, we use to have out at his Ranch. (good times)
Wow!!
Funny last night my friend and I were talking about Bates. Definitely a legend in Cowboys history. Loved how he played and how he carried himself.
Yep. Legendary!
Love me some Bill Bates...!! I was fortunate enough to get one of his autographed gameday shoes over 25 years ago. He brought so much energy and passion every week...sure do miss seeing that.
Great video! The thing that I remember most about Bill Bates is, that as athleticism goes, Bates disappeared in the crowd. However, when it came to pure heart, he was head and shoulders above the league. I remember here Dale Lundquist reporting on his training camp talking about Bates tying a rope around his waist and the other end to a golf cart and getting pulled for the purpose of help him work on his speed. I'm with you on the HOF and ROH. I would really have to think about it for a while to decide if there is anyone in the league today that plays with a heart like his. Outstanding work my friend!
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Met Bates at a liquor store. He was having a party in his ranch. He was super nice. Signed our Copenhagen cans. And invited us to the ranch .
Wow!! That had to be crazy!
Did you go?!?!?
Bill Bates was a Warrior.. We true Cowboys fans knew who he was and Admired him so much ...
What a great video on one of my favorite players as a kid. Billy Bates was the first “Special Teams Specialist “ in the NFL (along with Steve Tasker). Even though I watched him late in his career(1989-on), he was always all over the field. Glad to see he is still remembered and a new generation can watch this and learn about unheralded Dallas legends.
I will always remember I was in high school when during a preseason game in his rookie season Bates was making play after play after play. He was hitting everyone and the announcers kept saying that he was dubbed my a teacher as the bully in the schoolyard. He was great in Landry’s system and continued to be great in special teams and into the Jimmy Johnson system.
Bill Bates.. from the University of Tennessee!! True Cowboy legend!!
I remember the cowboys were losing bad one game and there was a loose ball. Everyone stopped because it was a dead ball but the whistle had not been blown. Bates and Randy White hustled like it was a tied game trying to jump on the ball....
This is GREAT work man! My favorite team growing up in the 70s and 80s were the St Louis Cardinals - always fighting it out with Dallas for the NFC East. Bill Bates lived in my nightmares, lol. But I sure respected him.
Legendary bates! Thanks for watching!
I think for the younger generation these videos are needed. For some reason we (I’m 50 years old) were educated in sports history before information was so accessible. I don’t feel most young folks know the generations of sports before them and the sports media is awful and has a case of “Greatest (insert game, player,etc) of all time” bias. So I really enjoy seeing young folks look back at history and be accurate as well. Great job!
🔥 🔥 great post! I agree with everything you said!
Bill Bates was a terrific players. He could tackle real well. Very smart in reading defenses. Great on special teams. He was a terrific athlete. He never taunted any player. He would let his play show how good he was. One of my cowboy favorites
I didn’t think I could like Bill Bates more, until I saw this video. Your insight into these players and schemes and coaches from so long ago is remarkable.
Thanks bro!
Bill Bates was the NFL version of Iron Man.He played defense and special teams revolutionizing and impacting how the NFL perceived special teams.If he was allowed to you know he would play offense as well.
Perfectly stated!
This is probably your best video and they are ALL great. The Cowboy defensive backs in the later Landry era were fun to watch and performed well in the defensive schemes. Those risky blitzes were also burned many times but overall it all made for exciting football.
Bates' work ethic and all-out effort are deserving of a HOF pick. And you hereby called it.
I hear Bates is having some health problems as of late, so the HOF move would be nice to see sooner than later.
Yeah, I heard it was Dementia. Hope that's a false rumor. Good post, by the way. Appreciate you, bro.
Bill Bates was one of my heros growing in the DFW area. He was the ultimate utility player. Effective in so many positions. And was, if I remember, one of the hardest hitters in the NFL throughout his career.
Wow! I'm a native Texan, and been a Cowboys fan since I knew what football was in the 60s. Bill Bates has been a name I've heard time and time again for his plays on defense and special teams during all those games. Great video and awesome research on your part. I had no idea he was this impactful for Landry's plans and schemes, but I kept seeing him make all these great plays. I had paid attention to Charlie Waters and Cliff Harris as safeties, but Bill took it to another level. To be honest, all of those guys from back in the day who made Dallas a great franchise live in my memory. Lily, Pugh, Jordan, Garrison, Meredith, Staubach, Pearson, Hayes, White, Martin, of course LANDRY, Tex Schramm, etc. I love the OLD franchise of our beloved Cowboys. This regime under Jerry Jones makes me want to puke. I'll leave it at that and hang onto my memories of great times past. So much history and greatness, some of it has not been acknowledged. Drew finally got in the HOF last year. Keep the content coming Bro!
We had some great safety's!
Harris and Waters were my favorite Duo in the secondary and my favorite front 4 is Too Tall, Harvey Martin, Randy White and Larry Cole
You, my friend are analytical greatness! Awesome video! I remember Bill well from his rookie season all the way to the end and he was great! Tuinei and he were the only long time Landry Cowboys who got to play in the Super Bowls. Bill being a fan favorite is an understatement, during Jimmy's training camps everyone always felt it was going to be Bill's last year due to aging and he never having elite speed. There was always a special cheer that went up for him when he made it to the final 53. Ended up, he was there after Jimmy.
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Bill Bates was a no-fear, hard as nails player ever bit as tough as his predecessors Cliff Harris and Charlie Waters. He was a demon on special teams too.
Couldve easily whined & complained about the transition from Landry to Jerry & Jimmy like most fans did back then, but he kept working hard & was an excellent teammate & gelled well within the 90s system.
Underrated comment.
Love the content. As much as I love Bill Bates, I never thought I would see content about Bill Bates greatness. I always thought he should’ve received ROH consideration but never thought it was realistic with so many Dallas greats not in currently .
And I agree with your opinion that he deserves HOF consideration as a special teamer. Loved your rationalization for it as well. Keep up the good work. Love the content.
Good post! Thanks for watching.
Bates was a beast, incredibly disciplined and as a result, was very consistent throughout his career. He should most definitely be in the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Bill Bates wasn’t quite at a “Ronnie Lott Level”, but factoring in his consistency, durability and never ending high level of motivation and he was a lot better than a lot of people realize. Tough as nails. Always ready. A special team monster.
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Bill Bates was a player that influenced me to want to play the game. He always brought the house and taught me what it meant to leave it all on the field 🎯
Bill bates was one reason jimmy was able to turn the team around. His work ethic was an example to this teammates.
This video helped bring a little light into the darkness of the way the season ended this year. Great job as usual.
Thanks, bro!! Glad I could help! Lol
Bates was HIM lifelong Cowboys fan I witnessed him play! ❤️
Legendary!
I love watching your perspective on players I grew up watching and players during the ‘80s that don’t get their due because they didn’t play in the Dallas Championship years. Great job on this vid and all your vids, Brother. 👍
Appreciate that! Thanks for watching bro!
This guy was one of my favorite cowboys and he was physical and could outright ball yes indeed.
Much better than anyone remembers a great nickle linebacker and a safety and special teamer.
Facts
@@thelogicalcowboy And he had longevity played a long time. gunner of course and kickoff kamikaze. I agree he did change or move the game forward. The anti dallas hall of fame voters keep greats out of the hall of fame. Even our own voters like rich gosselin and charean williams are actually anti homers
Bill Bates was my favorite player. I also whore 40 because of him and player gunner and safety. He was my hero.. A first of his kind.
Stand up, guy!
Well now, it takes some courage to let the cat out of the bag as being rental property..... Great "slip" of the key....., Riotous..... "Whoring for 40," you go fascia man.....!!
@@ridgerunner5772what?
@@troyc4250, there is an extra, miss keyed "H" in wore which allows a benign play on words....
Cowboy fans haven't had a fan favorite in decades. Not one of the current players even comes close to filling the ranks of a Bill Bates, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmett Smith, Roger Staubauch, Ed Too Tall Jones, Randy White, Drew Peerson, Chuck Longley, Don Meredith, Tony Dorsett, Harvey Martin, Larry Allen, Nate Newton, Hollywood Henderson etc etc. The last 25 years no Cowboys player has broken into this storied rank.
Loved watching Bates. White was the Manster and bates was a monster. He deserves to be in the HOF for sure.
I had to smile when you referenced Woodson: When I first saw Darren Woodson play, I said, it's the Second Coming of Bill Bates!!
Wow!
Never liked the Cowboys growing up but I loved to watch Bill Bates lower the boom on people every week. He belongs in the Hall
Thanks for this video LC, Bill Bates and Roger were my favorite Cowboys of all time!
You're welcome bro! Two Cowboys legends.
Bill Bates!!! Most older fans know!!! He is #40! There is no other #40!!!
and there never will be, thank you for being a fan !
Facts!
I was really happy when Bill Bates got that Superbowl ring. Actually he has three now, but he was playing just as hard when the Cowboys were TERRIBLE. One of my all time favorite Dallas Cowboys for sure.
You said
"He was playing just as hard when the Cowboys were TERRIBLE!"
Underrated statement!! 🔥 🔥 Absolutely facts!
He was a Tennessee Volunteer: of course he was awesome.
💪 💪
Dude, I met Bill Bates while caddying at Augusta.
HIM WAS 'TICK E....'TICK
Little mountain of muscle.
I feel like I need to start paying you for your videos. Better than anything on networks. I worried every offseason that Johnson might move on from Bates & Jeffcoat before they got rings.
😂 😂 thanks bro!
Wow Landry was lowkey ahead of his time running that 40 D with Mitchell along with Hegman in ‘78. Sort of what Dan Quinn is doing now currently in Dallas.
I'm currently doing a study on buddy Ryan's 46 defense and landry's 40 defense. Two concepts that are weirdly similar. But yeah, you're right. Landry was ahead of his time. The goat defensive coach.
This Guy.... Bill Bates !!! I Love This Guy !! One Of My All Time Favorite Players !!!
Great Video !! Thank You !
The Landry years. Unmatched.
Facts
Amazing breakdown. Some NFL team needs to hire you as an analyst.
I am convinced that you would add value to any squad that was astute enough to hire you.
Appreciate the compliment!! I'm humbled!! Really means a lot.
As a 50yr old now.I didn’t look up to any other pro.I only looked up to Bill Bates!I was undersized just like him an no one wanted to give me a chance at LB.I proved them all wrong lol.Played at Memphis state in the early 90’s.We called a hybrid LB a rover/monsterman/strong safety.Coach had multiple names for my/Bills position.One play I’d be in the middle backer position and the next I’d be protecting the slot receiver.Weird huh!Bill sure gave me inspiration to play harder and hit harder than anyone on my team.Id love to meet him!
I've watched this video about 5times. Bates is 1of my all time favorite COWBOYS. Aye can you do 1on Jay Nova'Cane. Thats what my uncle Wayne called him. R.I.P. Unc.
😂 thanks, bro! Yeah, I had a video on Jay Novachek but it's an old video. I can do better in the overall argument and production. I'll redo it for you bro!
Thank You, a guy from my local area in the 80s I forgot who it was I saw your title Bill Bates ......thats him thank you!
You're welcome!
Bill Bates was the quintessential defensive gadget man, a uniquely broad spectrum talent.
Awesome Video.....I always talk about Bill Gates the way he ran the field to tackle , was so exiting , the man was a monster...Viva Bates😊
Thanks bro! Bates was a monster!
Bates (and Tasker) have a legit argument for the HOF, and it's absolutely disgusting that Bates isn't in the ring of honor.
Completely agree.
They are the only two gunners that I remember always being mentioned on punt coverage
1000% he’s a HOFer but I’m a die hard Cowboys fan and watched every down this dude played and I also know there’s an anti-bias against the Cowboys so will he every be put in probably not but I loved watching 40 go up and down that field and get a SB
Exactly
You are amazing with your analysis, study and presentation wow! Jerry needs to put Bill Bates in the ROH this year and Bill needs to go into the NFL HOF asap. Sad that the NFL HOF does not care for the Dallas Cowboys.
Thanks bro!! I completely agree. They need to do it in the near future. Especially Jerry jones!
I've never been a Cowboys fan to say the least. Especially since Jerry. Bill Bates was the most exciting player in those years of mediocre Landry teams. And living in Texas you got every Cowboys game no matter what their record was.
Again….. another great job! You are better than the old “inside the NFL. We as fans just forget how much heart and try Some players have.
Thanks bro! I agree. Sometimes we do forget! Thanks again bro!
Yeah, Bill was my favorite player for a long time, in my completely biased opinion he should be in HOF and ROH, but you helped solidify my belief in that. Great video as usual.
Appreciate you brother!
Great video. I just stumbled across it. Bill Bates also known as the Wedge Buster, from were I'm from. Definitely should be in the ring of honor and the Hall of Fame. This man was no joke. He is one of my all time favorite Cowboys. I Agree he did change the game. l also believe he is the reason for the 1994 kick off rule change in witch the NFL decided to kick the ball off from 30 yard line instead of the 35 yard line.That's just my opinion though. Thanks for great video.
🔥 🔥 I didn't know about that!
Bill the Beast. Bill was one of the Best Dallas Cowboys ever. Issue he came in under Landry. So Jerry well he is Jerry.
But yes he should be not on just one of those but both. Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor.
I agree.
Dallas Cowboys, especially Parsons, need to study this film. Be Bill, Micah.
Once again awesome video. Please keep them coming. Bill Bates was awesome to watch and is definitely deserving of a blue jacket.
Thanks bro!
The videos you put together are really great fun to watch. The Old-Timers are the best however. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated. Especially since I have not watched pro Sports in 7-8 years.
Wow! 7-8 years. Well you haven't missed a lot lol
Don't know alot about pro ball, but he was a great at Tennessee. His son was also a great special teams player at Tennessee. Go big Orange 🍊
Yep. A Tennessee legend!
Love Bill Bates. He was our Rudy.
Facts!
Thank you !!! My favorite player as a kid ...
You're welcome!
Bill Bates was a BEAST! Worthy of the NFL HOF. You should’ve put in where he hit the old guy. Yeah, he got nailed
He was the only starter that stayed with Jones after he canned Landry. I quit being a Cowboy fan over Jones, and still waiting for Jones to sell.