he was considered too small to play safety. As a rookie, he quickly established himself as a punishing hitter and was named the starter at free safety in the eighth game of the season against the Miami Dolphins. He had 7 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs. He made 2 interceptions against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had 13 tackles against the San Diego Chargers. He finished with 72 tackles (second on the team), 3 interceptions, 8 passes defensed and one forced fumble. In 1988, he had 6 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. He missed 2 contests with a calf and ankle injury he suffered in the second game against the Washington Redskins. He made 8 tackles and one interception in the fifth game against the Cleveland Browns. He had 8 tackles against the Phoenix Cardinals. He tallied 60 tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 passes defensed and 2 fumble recoveries. In 1989, he started in all 16 games. He posted 81 tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 passes defensed and one fumble recovery. In 1990, he suffered a lacerated forehead in the season opener against the Browns and did not start in the next 2 contests. He returned to the starting lineup in the fourth game against the Dolphins. He totaled 35 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles. In 1991, he started all 16 games. He had 8 tackles in the tenth game against the Bengals. He made 2 interceptions and one forced fumble in the twelfth game against the Houston Oilers. He tallied 57 tackles, 4 interceptions (led the team), 12 passes defensed, 2 fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. On September 19, 1992, after having missed the first two games due to a contract dispute, he was traded to the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth round draft choice (#140-Marc Woodard). Dallas Cowboys In 1992, he was named the starter at strong safety. In his first season with the Cowboys he wore number 31, because reserve running back Curvin Richards had the number 27, which was the one he wore for five seasons with the Steelers. When Richards was cut after the final regular season game, he changed his number to 27 for the playoffs. His first start came in the sixth game against the Kansas City Chiefs and made 8 tackles.