It was on this day in 1989 that the Dallas Cowboys traded running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings.  This trade remains the largest in NFL history, as a total of 18 players and draft picks were involved.

This trade is also seen as one of the most lopsided deals in sports history, as it helped immensely in building the Cowboys’ dynasty of the early 90’s.  Along with Walker, Dallas shipped two thirds, a fifth and a tenth round pick to the Vikings in exchange for three first-rounders, three second-rounders, a third-rounder and a sixth round pick, along with five players.  Although the players Dallas received were not impact players, it was the use of the draft picks that helped build one of the greatest teams of all-time.

After all of the wheeling and dealing was done, the Cowboys ended up getting Emmitt Smith, Alvin Harper, Darren Woodson, Russell Maryland and Dixon Edwards, who were all major contributors in winning three Super Bowl’s in a four year span.

Here is Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones discussing the dynasty.

Notable Birthdays

Chris Chandler, NFL – Born October 12th 1965 (age 47) in Everett, Washington

Leon Lett, NFL – Born October 12th 1968 (age 44) in Mobile, Alabama

Mike Green, NHL – Born October 12th 1985 (age 27) in Calgary, Alberta