Cowboys Legends Dorsett and Pearson to Announce Draft Picks

Two iconic Dallas players will take the stage in Pittsburgh to reveal the team's first-round selections.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players, stadiums, and draft-related imagery, capturing the energy and anticipation of the NFL Draft through Picasso's distinctive artistic style.Two Cowboys legends reunite to announce the team's future at the 2026 NFL Draft.Frisco Today

The Dallas Cowboys have tapped two of their all-time greats, running back Tony Dorsett and wide receiver Drew Pearson, to announce the team's first-round picks at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Dorsett, a Hall of Famer who was the second overall pick by the Cowboys in 1977, and Pearson, whose legendary draft announcement speech went viral in 2017, will reunite on stage to welcome the next generation of Cowboys players.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are leaning on their storied history and beloved alumni to generate excitement around their draft picks, especially with the event being held in Dorsett's hometown of Pittsburgh. Dorsett and Pearson's on-field chemistry as a running back-wide receiver duo in the 1970s and 80s makes their joint announcement a must-see moment for Cowboys fans.

The details

Tony Dorsett, the Cowboys' second overall pick in 1977 out of the University of Pittsburgh, will announce at least one of the team's first-round selections at the 2026 NFL Draft. Dorsett, a Hall of Famer, is the co-holder of the NFL record for the longest touchdown run (99 yards). Drew Pearson, Dorsett's former Cowboys teammate and a legendary wide receiver in his own right, will join Dorsett in revealing one of the picks, reuniting the dynamic offensive duo for the first time since Pearson's now-famous draft announcement speech in 2017 that went viral.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Dorsett's hometown.
  • Last year, former Cowboys center Travis Frederick announced the team's first-round pick.

The players

Tony Dorsett

A Hall of Fame running back who was the second overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 1977 out of the University of Pittsburgh. Dorsett is the co-holder of the NFL record for the longest touchdown run (99 yards).

Drew Pearson

A legendary wide receiver who spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, forming a dynamic offensive duo with Tony Dorsett in the 1970s and 80s. Pear's viral draft announcement speech in 2017 has become iconic.

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What they’re saying

“Dorsett and Pearson were once must-see TV together, and the same will be true this April in Pittsburgh.”

— Patrik Walker, Author

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 24-26 in Pittsburgh, where Dorsett and Pearson will take the stage to announce the Cowboys' first-round picks.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are tapping into their rich history and beloved alumni to generate excitement around their 2026 draft class, reuniting two iconic offensive stars in Dorsett and Pearson to welcome the next generation of Dallas players. Their joint announcement is sure to be a highlight of the draft festivities in Dorsett's hometown of Pittsburgh.