Tony Tolbert Madden Career 1992-1998 - Peak 88 OVR

Tony Tolbert was a fourth-round defensive end out of UTEP in 1989 who spent his entire nine-year career in Dallas, the steady, underrated pass rusher on the other side of a dynasty defense. He was never the star, but he was always there, setting the edge and getting to the quarterback while the bigger names drew the attention.

Madden's grade tracked a good, durable starter. Tolbert climbed from the 50s to a peak of 88 in Madden NFL 95 for the 1994 season, the number of a quality starting end, and held in the 70s and 80s across the dynasty years. The grade fit a player whose production was consistent rather than spectacular, a reliable double-digit-sack threat in his best seasons.

Tolbert made a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro in 1996, the year he posted a career-high 12 sacks, and won three Super Bowls, XXVII, XXVIII and XXX, before retiring after 1997 with 59 career sacks. He was a defensive end every champion needs and few fans single out, the quiet complement to the more celebrated pieces of the Cowboys front. Madden rated him honestly, a solid starter who peaked at an 88, which is about exactly what he was.