IN MEMORY OF
JOHN "NO NECK" NILAND
Dave Manders and John Niland lined up side by side on the Cowboys’ offensive line. At Wurst Golf Fest 2026, Dave is honoring his friend by showing up for kids in Collin County.
A NOTE FROM DAVE
“John and I spent a lot of years standing beside each other on the line.
This year, I’m proud to stand up for him, and for the kids who need someone in their corner.”
— DAVE MANDERS, JOHN’S TEAMMATE AND FRIEND
BUILT ON THE LINE
The Dallas Cowboys made John Niland the fifth overall pick of the 1966 draft out of the University of Iowa. He went on to start at left guard for nine seasons, earning six straight Pro Bowl selections, three First-team All-Pro honors, and helping deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl Title in Super Bowl VI.
Right beside him at center was Dave Manders. The friendship they built there lasted long after the cleats came off.
Generosity was always part of John’s story. During his playing days, he sent money back to his high school in Amityville, New York, to fund scholarships for student-athletes.
John also still holds the record for being the highest-drafted Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman ever.
6 x
PRO BOWL
3 x
FIRST-TEAM ALL-PRO
vi
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
#76
LEFT GUARD, 1966-1974
WHY "NO NECK"?
Football teammates have a special talent for nicknames, and John’s teammates apparently took one look at him in pads and got straight to the point: “No Neck.” The nickname stuck for decades, delivered with the kind of affection only teammates can get away with.
Naturally, we turned that nickname into a toast: “No Neck. All Spirit.”, a Maker’s Mark Manhattan made with John’s favorite bourbon and served with a whole lot of affection.
THE OFFICIAL TRIBUTE COCKTAIL
No Neck.
All Spirit.
An Old-School Cowboy Manhattan.
MAKER’S MARK™ BOURBON
SWEET VERMOUTH
BITTERS
TOP WITH 1-2 CHERRIES
Raise a glass to #76
at Wurst Golf Fest on October 27.
The best teammates
make room for somebody else
No Neck. All Heart. Help keep the good going.
John Niland spent a lifetime showing up for others. This is one more way to carry that spirit forward.
Make a gift in John’s memory to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. 100% of your donation will benefit CACCC, helping provide safety, healing, and hope for children and families who need someone in their corner.
Thank you for helping turn a tribute to a great teammate, friend, and one-of-a-kind Cowboy into something that keeps doing good.
Give in John's Memory
Every gift made here is recorded in honor of John Niland and goes to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.