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Daryl Peter "Moose" Johnston (born February 10, 1966 in Youngstown, New York) is a former American football fullback in the NFL who played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys (from 1989 to 1999). Johnston was a two time Pro Bowler and attended the game in 1993 and 1994. Johnston was a member of three Super Bowl winning teams.
Drafted by the Cowboys out of Syracuse where he was an All-American and All-East pick in 1988, Johnston was also named Western New York Player of the Year in 1983 while playing for Lewiston-Porter (locally known as Lew-Port) High School in Youngstown, New York. The Lancers won the division during Daryl's Senior year 1984. His Lew-Port jersey number, 36, was retired from the program on September 1st, 2006.
In the NFL, he scored 22 career touchdowns but had more receptions in his career than carries. In 1993 Johnston had 50 receptions and averaged 7.4 yards per catch.
Johnston was one of the best fullbacks of his day blocking for Emmitt Smith, as Smith went on to become the all-time NFL rushing leader. However, Johnston was not the lead blocker for Smith's entire career. An unfortunate neck injury prematurely ended Johnston's career. Johnston was present the day Smith broke the record; he was in the broadcasting booth, but came down onto the field to hug Smith and congratulate him afterward. As Smith made his victory lap of Texas Stadium after the record setting carry, Johnston hung back in the shadows. When Smith saw Johnston, the two joined together in an emotional embrace, with Smith telling Johnston, "I couldn't have done it without you". Johnston replied "It was my pleasure. I couldn't imagine doing it for anybody else."
Every time Johnston touched the ball, "Mooooose" chants roared through the crowd, regardless of where the Cowboys were playing.
Today, Johnston works as a color commentator alongside Kenny Albert on the second broadcast team of The NFL on FOX'.
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