Cowboys Legend Daryl Johnston Reflects On Shrine Bowl Legacy And Frisco Return – Local Profile
Johnston will be inducted into the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame during game week
The East-West Shrine Bowl is returning to Frisco in 2026, bringing one of college football’s most storied traditions back to Ford Center, and a homecoming moment for Cowboys icon Daryl Johnston.
Set for Jan. 27, 2026, at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl will once again place the national spotlight on the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters, blending elite football talent, community impact and a century-old charitable mission.
A Homecoming With Meaning
Dallas Cowboys legend Daryl Johnston will be inducted into the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame during game week, a fitting honor for a player whose career bridged excellence on the field with service beyond it.
Johnston first experienced the Shrine Bowl in 1989, representing Syracuse on the East team before being selected 39th overall by the Cowboys. His NFL career included three Super Bowl championships, followed by a transition into broadcasting and football leadership. Today, he serves as President of Football Operations for the United Football League and as an NFL on FOX color commentator.
For Johnston, the Shrine Bowl experience left a lasting impression that extended far beyond football.
“I knew about the game’s impact and experienced it while I was there, but it truly changed my perspective at that young age,” Johnston told Local Profile.
Where Football Meets Purpose
Since its founding in 1925, the East-West Shrine Bowl has benefited Shriners Children’s, supporting advanced pediatric care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
That mission remains central to the event’s identity, something Johnston believes sets it apart from other all-star games.
“It really changed my perspective when I got to see what they have to fight and overcome on a regular basis,” Johnston said. “It was probably the first time that I reset some of the values that I had. It was and still is very inspirational.”
A Launchpad For NFL Careers
As the nation’s oldest college football all-star game, the Shrine Bowl has long been a proving ground for future NFL stars. Nearly 80 Pro Football Hall of Famers and more than 200 College Football Hall of Famers once took part, including names like Walter Payton, Roger Staubach, Tom Brady and Bob Lilly, along with recent standouts Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers and Isiah Pacheco.
Since starting, the event has evolved into a full week of evaluations, practices and player access that attracts all NFL teams.
“When I played, the East-West Shrine Bowl was already special, but it’s evolved tremendously since then,” said Johnston. “Today, it’s not just about the game; it’s about the entire week. The practices, the coaching, the one-on-one evaluations and the access players get across all 32 NFL teams are why this event has been successful for so many years.”
Johnston credits the game with helping him transition from college football to the professional level.
“Participating in this game was an honor,” he said. “It ultimately gave me the opportunity to play on a big stage, go against top-flight competition, and prove to the NFL scouts in attendance that I did fit in with the big, well-known college all-stars.”
Why Frisco Fits The Moment
Ford Center at The Star has become a familiar stage for marquee football events, and Johnston sees Frisco as a natural home for the Shrine Bowl’s modern era.
“Ford Center at The Star in Frisco is a fantastic venue for the East-West Shrine Bowl,” he said. “The city of Frisco’s commitment to sports, combined with its engaged and supportive community, makes it one of the most dynamic and welcoming environments for sporting events in the country.”
Game week will include more than just the all-star matchup, with a Hall of Fame banquet and a pre-game Fan Fest at Tostitos Championship Plaza adding to the experience for fans and families.
A Full-Circle Honor
Being inducted into the Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame during the game’s 101st edition is not lost on Johnston, who remembers dreaming about the opportunity long before his NFL career began. For him, it’s an honor.
“It was one of those games that you always knew about as a young boy growing up and when you went on your journey to college football, it was one of the games that you hoped to be invited to play in,” he said. “You’ve got some of the best that have ever played the game of football that have been a part of the East-West Shrine Bowl games.”
As the East-West Shrine Bowl returns to Frisco, Johnston’s story reflects exactly what the event has represented for more than a century — a place where football excellence, opportunity and service intersect, leaving a lasting impact on players, fans and communities alike.
Learn more, or purchase tickets to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl here.
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