The Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are one of those teams that nearly everyone seems to have an opinion about. And unless you've been living under a rock, it should come as no surprise that the Cowboys are one of the most polarizing NFL team names in the league.
I don't think I've ever come across a sports fan that didn't have a strong opinion about the Cowboys. You either love the star on the helmet or you hate it. It's just the way it is.
I don't think I've ever come across a sports fan that didn't have a strong opinion about the Cowboys. You either love the star on the helmet or you hate it. It's just the way it is.
As the usage of the name by the media became more and more widespread, teams ratcheted up their disdain for the Cowboys—viewing them as arrogant and pompous.
Not surprisingly, former head coach Tom Landry never thought much of the America's Team moniker.
In his eyes, it only caused opponents to play that much harder against the Cowboys.
However, the Cowboys' master of promotion—general manager Tex Schramm—loved the label.
Many Cowboy haters (and fans) assume the Cowboys gave themselves the name America's Team. But in reality, the name was first used by NFL Films in a 1978 Dallas Cowboys highlight reel.
Narrator John Facenda opened the film with his deep baritone voice by saying: "They appear on television so often that their faces are as familiar to the public as presidents and movie stars. They are the Dallas Cowboys, America's Team."
CBS sportscaster Brent Musburger picked up on the catchy name and used it in the Cowboys' season opener and the Dallas Cowboys history was forever changed.
Dallas Cowboys owner Clint Murchison Jr. was a hands-off type who let the people he hired run the show. Even if Murchison didn't like the tag America's Team, what was he going to do about it?
The cat was already out of the bag.
Former Commissioner Pete Rozelle, like Schramm, knew the badge would spark a reaction from fans. With his public relations background, Rozelle recognized the power of branding.
What makes me an expert on the Cowboys?
Webster's Dictionary defines the word expert as "having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience." While it's true I don't have any formal training on the subject of the Dallas Cowboys per se, I do have a world of knowledge [sic] experience that I have accumulated following the team for over thirty years.
Besides, as far as I know there aren't any universities out there offering courses on the Dallas Cowboys? If there were, I would have signed up a long time ago!
Heck, I probably would apply to teach the class!
So considering there are no traditional training courses available on the subject, I don't believe anyone can be considered an expert on the Dallas Cowboys. Be that as it may, I can promise you every topic on my site has come from first-hand accounts or been thoroughly researched for authenticity and accuracy.
Besides, as far as I know there aren't any universities out there offering courses on the Dallas Cowboys? If there were, I would have signed up a long time ago!
Heck, I probably would apply to teach the class!
So considering there are no traditional training courses available on the subject, I don't believe anyone can be considered an expert on the Dallas Cowboys. Be that as it may, I can promise you every topic on my site has come from first-hand accounts or been thoroughly researched for authenticity and accuracy.
Lover or Hater?
It's pretty much a black and white issue when the topic of the Dallas Cowboys comes up in conversation. You're either:
Seriously, it really is difficult to find someone, anyone who doesn't have an opinion on the Cowboys. And my guess is the haters outnumber the fanatics.
- a Dallas Cowboys fanatic (ooh, ooh... Mr. Kotter!)*
- a Dallas Cowboys hater (boooo!!!)
- or... you don't have a pulse! (I'd see a doctor about that if I were you)
Seriously, it really is difficult to find someone, anyone who doesn't have an opinion on the Cowboys. And my guess is the haters outnumber the fanatics.
I think much of the backlash stems from the amount of media attention the Cowboys attract.
Even when Dallas is having a bad season or they are in rebuilding mode, they seem to always find their way onto the front pages.
That star on their helmet is like a bull's-eye to every team in the league—especially NFC East opponents.
Even when Dallas is having a bad season or they are in rebuilding mode, they seem to always find their way onto the front pages.
That star on their helmet is like a bull's-eye to every team in the league—especially NFC East opponents.
The Dallas Cowboys—like it or not—are simply the most polarizing team in the league. Even in NFL cities where there is no long-standing rivalry, the hatred directed at the Cowboys is off the charts.
But I say let them have their fun. It would be a boring league if everyone liked the same team, right?
But I say let them have their fun. It would be a boring league if everyone liked the same team, right?
Top of the heap