Charlie Waters

The versatile safety who anchored the Dallas secondary for twelve seasons and holds the NFL playoff interception record.

Charlie Waters is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 12-year career as a safety for the Dallas Cowboys. Born on September 10, 1948, in Miami, Florida, he attended North Augusta High School before starring at Clemson University. Originally a quarterback and split end in college, Waters converted to defensive back after being drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a top-tier defender, earning All-Rookie honors in his first season despite starting only six games due to teammate Cliff Harris's military duty.

Quick Facts

Position: Safety
Born: 10 September 1948
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
High school: North Augusta (North Augusta, South Carolina)
College: Clemson
Draft year: 1970
Draft round: 3
Draft pick: 66

Lore & Background

Waters' professional journey began with a conversion from college quarterback to defensive back, a move that defined his legacy. After serving as backup to Cliff Harris in 1970, he started six games due to Harris's military service and recorded five interceptions en route to an NFL all-rookie team selection. The Cowboys lost Super Bowl V that year, but Waters continued to evolve. He spent four years at cornerback before moving to strong safety in 1975 to replace Cornell Green. There, he formed one of the best safety tandems of the era alongside Harris, earning All-Pro honors twice (1977 and 1978) and three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1976 to 1978. Waters was known for his coach-like instincts on the field, acting as a leader who combined athletic ability with deep strategic understanding.

Reader's Guide

Waters played 12 seasons for the Cowboys, never experiencing a losing season and missing the playoffs only once (in 1974). He appeared in five Super Bowls: V, VI, X, XII, and XIII, securing victories in VI and XII. His postseason dominance is unmatched; he played in 25 playoff games, ranking fifth all-time in NFL history. After retiring, Waters briefly served as a defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos (1993–1994) and the University of Oregon (1995). He also worked in broadcasting, notably for CBS Sports in 1983 with Tom Brookshier, where he famously corrected Brookshier's offensive comments about Louisville players. In 2006, he returned to the Cowboys organization as a color commentator for the radio network before stepping down in February 2007 due to scheduling conflicts.

Did You Know?

He blocked four punts in two consecutive games, a unique achievement.
He suffered a torn ACL in a 1979 preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, causing him to miss the entire season.