Don Perkins (born March 4, 1938 in Waterloo, Iowa) was an American football running back who spent eight seasons with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

Perkins was originally drafted out of the University of New Mexico by the Baltimore Colts, but Perkins had already signed a contract with the Cowboys before Dallas was granted an NFL franchise, so the Colts were compensated for his staying with the Cowboys. Perkins began playing with the Cowboys in 1961, rushing for 4.1 yards per carry in his first season. During his career, he continued to maintain his 4.1 yards per carry average, accumulating 6,217 yards total over eight seasons (third on the Cowboys' all-time list behind Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett) and being named to six Pro Bowl teams.

Towards the end of his career, Perkins was placed more in a blocking fullback role, where he remained until his retirement prior to the 1969 season. He was inducted into the Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium alongside his quarterback Don Meredith in 1976.

External link

• DallasCowboys: Don Perkins