Charlie Waters

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

In 1975, Waters transitioned to strong safety, replacing Cornell Green and immediately contributing three interceptions, 55 yards, and a touchdown. The following years saw him reach his peak; he was selected All-Pro in both 1977 and 1978 while earning Pro Bowl nods for three straight seasons. His resilience was tested in the 1979 preseason when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against the Seattle Seahawks, forcing him to miss the entire year. He returned in 1980 with five interceptions and added three more in 1981 before retiring. Over his career, Waters accumulated 41 interceptions, ranking third-most in franchise history. He holds the unique NFL record for most playoff interceptions with nine, including a remarkable three in a single game. Additionally, he blocked four punts across two consecutive games and served as the team's holder for placekicks.

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?

• Waters holds the NFL record for most playoff interceptions with nine.
• He blocked four punts in two consecutive games, a unique achievement.
• In college, he was originally a split end and quarterback before converting to defensive back.
• He suffered a torn ACL in a 1979 preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, causing him to miss the entire season.
• Waters served as the Cowboys' holder for placekicks during his playing career.