February 14 might be a holiday hijacked by Big Flowers and the infamous Hallmark Syndicate, but it’s also a worthwhile chance to express love and gratitude to those who all-so-often slip through the cracks. On the Dallas Cowboys those are the players who may lack name recognition or superstar status that unjustly leaves them afterthoughts this time of year.
It is these players, oftentimes playing on modest salaries, who are the glue of NFL rosters. In a salary capped age, the number of superstars is limited with the difference between winning and losing coming down to role players and rotational pieces.
In honor of those players, we turn our Valentine’s Day attention to some of the unsung heroes of last year. We offer a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates to these overachievers, these glue guys, and these all-important injury replacements.
Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE
Spann-Ford is fast becoming a fan favorite. In just two short years, the undrafted free agent from Minnesota has arguably become the best blocking tight end in the NFL. His 6-foot-7, 270-pound frame makes him the perfect compliment to TE1 Jake Ferguson and his steady progression as a downfield option puts him on the starter track moving forward.
Spann-Ford has contributed over 300 defensive snaps both seasons in Dallas and he’s done so in multiple capacities playing multiple roles. He’s a big part of Dallas’ success both as a run blocker and as an added pass protector.
CeeDee’s hold nullifies this play but watch BSF catch another body in the run game.
GIVE MY MAN MORE SNAPS (no way Schoon should play 7 more snaps as he did vs WAS). #Cowboyspic.twitter.com/X19ENSO8iU
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 20, 2025
T.J. Bass, OG
Bass is considered one of the top reserve linemen in the NFL and it’s easy to see why. The heavy lifter from Oregon is a plug and play replacement on the interior. Capable of play guard on both the right and left sides, he gives the Cowboys a premium insurance policy should disaster happen.
Likely to be tendered as a restricted free agent in coming weeks, Bass gives Dallas a key asset heading into 2026. Graded by PFF 29 of 79 in guard play last year, he gives the Cowboys a starting quality replacement should starting left guard Tyler Smith move to left tackle again.
Reddy Steward, NCB
Losing nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis in free agency was a kick in the short for the Cowboys in 2025. The standout CB was a tenacious soul inside, fighting traffic and standing tall in both phases of the game. With options to replace him limited, Dallas turned to Reddy Steward to hold down the fort. Steward wasn’t ideal but he was serviceable, which is more than most of the secondary can say.
Hunter Luepke, FB/TE
Luepke is playing on a $7 million contract and already a fan favorite so calling him unsung might be a stretch. Still, the fullback-tight end combo back has been quite the do-it-all piece for the Cowboys, contributing in the backfield, on the line and on the move.
Luepke gives the Cowboys a reserve player at three positions, offering valuable depth as well as insurance.
MALIK DAVIS TURNS ON THE BURNERS FOR 6
KCvsDAL on CBS/Paramount+
Also streaming on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/wIm56xhDAh— NFL (@NFL) November 27, 2025
Malik Davis, RB
Very few predicted Malik Davis would make the Cowboys roster in 2025, let alone be the primary backup to Javonte Williams, yet that’s exactly what happened. The guy who in the summer was buried behind Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue and possibly even Phil Mafah, showed you can never count a good man out in the NFL.
At a time when the Cowboys RB room was anything but reliable, Davis gave Dallas a consistent force as a reserve. Much like the nickel CB spot, the hope if the Cowboys can upgrade at the position group this offseason. Davis might not have a place in 2026 but his efforts in 2025 deserve recognition and a tip of the cap.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 5 unsung Cowboys who deserve Valentine’s Day cards after 2025
