Oh my God. This is your best piece ever, I appreciate the X's and O's, but this is so much better. It encapsulates all that we've had to live with over the past 30 years. And points out things I'd never considered: that Jerry has no football philosophy, and that Jerry would rather be right more than he wants to win.
I would note, finally, as someone who studies business and leadership, that Jerry epitomizes many wealthy and successful businesspeople, in that his confidence exceeds his competence in areas other than business.
Brilliant write up Bob. If I hear one more person say that nobody wants to win more than Jerry I will go insane. His actions, as Bob points out clearly and emphatically says otherwise.
Wow! This is why I subscribe, for the honest and truthful analysis of the team and it’s Al Davis like owner. I’m so tired of all the word salads from the Jones family. After following the team since I was a 5 year old kid in Texas (I’m 63 now), I’ve stepped away as a caring, rabid, defend the team at all costs, fan. It’s certainly helped my blood pressure! But pretty sad when you can take lifelong fans and tuen them into non-caring observers. But hey, he owns the team so I’m pretty sure I lived through the heydays and that’s not coming back in my lifetime. Why show the Cowboys’ games on the History Channel? Because the fans live in the last.
I’m constantly torn between wanting so badly for my favorite team to win but also not wanting this ridiculous man to succeed. I hate that Jerry has forced that on me.
The Dallas Cowboys existed before Jerry and they will exist long after. The team truly belongs to the fans; Jerry has just hijacked all control for the time being. And history will remember him as a clown, a narcissist and an embarrassment to this great franchise. No one will care about the business success. He will die with 3 championships won because of Jimmy (even the Barry year) and everyone knows that. It is painful for true sports fans who love the colors but hate the administration because there is no way out; we can't just leave our team and root for someone else. We just have to wait for him to go away.
Belichick might be the force of nature that can overcome Jerrah, but even that’s a long shot.
Will McClay is the only person in that front office that does their job well. If not for him, this ship would be sunk, which unfortunately is probably what needs to happen for any chance of real change.
It seems like I’m not alone. The comments reflect my thoughts as well. Bob, this piece is epic. It truly helped me to hear you spell it all out so clearly. Jerry has taken something I loved and made me not care about it. I’m just not proud of my team anymore. We were the gold standard and now we are a laughingstock in our own stadium. Please, Stephen, take his keys away and call Troy. Please.
I’ve been following you for a long time Bob and I would say this is as good as it gets. I’ve been a fan since the mid 60s and I truly believe I will never see the Cowboys win another Super Bowl or even get there. I use to tolerate JJ but in the last year I can’t anymore. And worse, I’ve lost my enthusiasm for the Cowboys, my first favorite team and the one I cared the most about. And to make matters worse I don’t tits going to change much when junior takes over. Having lived through the glory years it’s so hard following them team these days led by a clown who is more concerned with profit and attention than winning.
Literally what can we do? I've been a rabid fan like you (not for as long) for 15 yrs but I thought we could actually overcome JJ. I'm now not so horribly naive but I've lost my innocence.
I'm genuinely thinking of crossing over to the dark side (9ers) because I enjoy their football and general philosophy with Shanahan involved. As sacrilegious as that would've sounded to me 12mths ago.
It was all about the (lack of) "all in" that absolutely tipped me over the edge.
Been a fan of Dallas since Dandy Don, Bob Hayes, Bob Lilly, etc.
I now despise Jerry for what he has done to this proud franchise. I'd accept 3-15 this season and 0-18 next season as a trade-off for Jerry selling. If he hangs on and status quo remains, the Cowboys will underachieve for the balance of his time on earth.
We just have to wait unfortunately. Either until he passes or some scandal forces him to sell, which would have to be something massive given his power with the league.
He is going to keep the team just relevant enough but never enough to win it all. It is maddening.
Truer words never have been written. Just as true is the absolute fact that there literally is nothing…nothing we can do about it. And with the son increasingly out of the shadow and demonstrating no sense of change, I’m sad to think of all these young fans (my rabid Cowboys fan daughter being one) who will never know the joy we had watching the Staubach and Aikman led Super Bowl runs. <sigh>
This has the be the single greatest excoriation of the Cowboys I’ve ever read.
Thanks for the brilliant writing, Bob.
One add, and one I’ve stated before: To most owners and their GMs, the football being played on the field is the product.
To Jerry, the fan is the product, the games being played is the way he generates the product. As long as the product continues to grow in breadth and depth, he is winning.
Yes it’s just framing. But framing has powerful consequences when it comes to measuring what is important.
This fits with point 5 above.
Thanks again, Bob. You’ve created a great essay as to why fans should wisen up and tune into other teams until this is corrected.
Amazing Bob, simply amazing. To see these same thoughts swimming through my head over the years actually transcribed makes me wonder why we even bother to follow this team or allow emotions to come into play. Alas, the many great things about this sport (and learning more about from writers like you) keep me coming back like a junkie looking for one more fix.
Unfortunately, Jerry's way has made himself (and many of his NFL peers) rich beyond comprehension, that no matter how each team runs/ruins their franchise they are virtually guaranteed of improving on their investment. He succeeded doing it his way so early in his ownership tenure that he can't help but believe it will happen again despite evidence to the contrary. However, the hubris Jerry displayed this week with his media interactions beg the question...just who out there (other than media) actually listen to/care what he has to say? Perhaps I am on an island here, but It has been at least ten years since I have sought out or paid attention to any interview or post-game presser of Jerry's (or Stephen's for that matter). If any of you continue to do so, then I beg you to please stop, for only once people stop listening/believing then Jerry/Stephen "may" stop talking, and actually get the F back to work to improve this team.
Totally agree with you wrote Andrew with one exception: it was Jimmy not JJ responsible for the three Super Bowl wins. All JJ did was write the checks.
I know that all too well Steve. What I meant is that he likely views the firing of Tom Landry and hiring of Jimmy (and more importantly winning with Switzer) as proof he is the best man for the job, and shouldn't be questioned otherwise.
Oh my God. This is your best piece ever, I appreciate the X's and O's, but this is so much better. It encapsulates all that we've had to live with over the past 30 years. And points out things I'd never considered: that Jerry has no football philosophy, and that Jerry would rather be right more than he wants to win.
I would note, finally, as someone who studies business and leadership, that Jerry epitomizes many wealthy and successful businesspeople, in that his confidence exceeds his competence in areas other than business.
Brilliant write up Bob. If I hear one more person say that nobody wants to win more than Jerry I will go insane. His actions, as Bob points out clearly and emphatically says otherwise.
Maybe it would be correct to say "nobody wants to be seen winning more than Jerry". The seen part of that takes priority obviously.
His is who we all thought he was. Always has been, always will be.
Wow! This is why I subscribe, for the honest and truthful analysis of the team and it’s Al Davis like owner. I’m so tired of all the word salads from the Jones family. After following the team since I was a 5 year old kid in Texas (I’m 63 now), I’ve stepped away as a caring, rabid, defend the team at all costs, fan. It’s certainly helped my blood pressure! But pretty sad when you can take lifelong fans and tuen them into non-caring observers. But hey, he owns the team so I’m pretty sure I lived through the heydays and that’s not coming back in my lifetime. Why show the Cowboys’ games on the History Channel? Because the fans live in the last.
I was thinking the same thing about Al Davis. Exact same path. Brilliant in his way, but doesn't realize that the game has moved on. Doesn't care.
Like fine wine, this piece will become vintage Bob Sturm 2024: complex notes that brings all the flavors together in harmony. A classic. Masterpiece.
I’m constantly torn between wanting so badly for my favorite team to win but also not wanting this ridiculous man to succeed. I hate that Jerry has forced that on me.
Other than that Mrs Lincoln how was the play
I didn't know I needed this article. But I definitely need this article. Much appreciated, Bob
The Dallas Cowboys existed before Jerry and they will exist long after. The team truly belongs to the fans; Jerry has just hijacked all control for the time being. And history will remember him as a clown, a narcissist and an embarrassment to this great franchise. No one will care about the business success. He will die with 3 championships won because of Jimmy (even the Barry year) and everyone knows that. It is painful for true sports fans who love the colors but hate the administration because there is no way out; we can't just leave our team and root for someone else. We just have to wait for him to go away.
Outstanding work Bob! We’re doomed.
Belichick might be the force of nature that can overcome Jerrah, but even that’s a long shot.
Will McClay is the only person in that front office that does their job well. If not for him, this ship would be sunk, which unfortunately is probably what needs to happen for any chance of real change.
Sad reality.
It seems like I’m not alone. The comments reflect my thoughts as well. Bob, this piece is epic. It truly helped me to hear you spell it all out so clearly. Jerry has taken something I loved and made me not care about it. I’m just not proud of my team anymore. We were the gold standard and now we are a laughingstock in our own stadium. Please, Stephen, take his keys away and call Troy. Please.
I’ve been following you for a long time Bob and I would say this is as good as it gets. I’ve been a fan since the mid 60s and I truly believe I will never see the Cowboys win another Super Bowl or even get there. I use to tolerate JJ but in the last year I can’t anymore. And worse, I’ve lost my enthusiasm for the Cowboys, my first favorite team and the one I cared the most about. And to make matters worse I don’t tits going to change much when junior takes over. Having lived through the glory years it’s so hard following them team these days led by a clown who is more concerned with profit and attention than winning.
Literally what can we do? I've been a rabid fan like you (not for as long) for 15 yrs but I thought we could actually overcome JJ. I'm now not so horribly naive but I've lost my innocence.
I'm genuinely thinking of crossing over to the dark side (9ers) because I enjoy their football and general philosophy with Shanahan involved. As sacrilegious as that would've sounded to me 12mths ago.
It was all about the (lack of) "all in" that absolutely tipped me over the edge.
What are fans to do?
Been a fan of Dallas since Dandy Don, Bob Hayes, Bob Lilly, etc.
I now despise Jerry for what he has done to this proud franchise. I'd accept 3-15 this season and 0-18 next season as a trade-off for Jerry selling. If he hangs on and status quo remains, the Cowboys will underachieve for the balance of his time on earth.
We just have to wait unfortunately. Either until he passes or some scandal forces him to sell, which would have to be something massive given his power with the league.
He is going to keep the team just relevant enough but never enough to win it all. It is maddening.
Outstanding article. Sounds like Jerry and another misguided narcissistic public figure have far too much in common.
Bob,
Truer words never have been written. Just as true is the absolute fact that there literally is nothing…nothing we can do about it. And with the son increasingly out of the shadow and demonstrating no sense of change, I’m sad to think of all these young fans (my rabid Cowboys fan daughter being one) who will never know the joy we had watching the Staubach and Aikman led Super Bowl runs. <sigh>
This has the be the single greatest excoriation of the Cowboys I’ve ever read.
Thanks for the brilliant writing, Bob.
One add, and one I’ve stated before: To most owners and their GMs, the football being played on the field is the product.
To Jerry, the fan is the product, the games being played is the way he generates the product. As long as the product continues to grow in breadth and depth, he is winning.
Yes it’s just framing. But framing has powerful consequences when it comes to measuring what is important.
This fits with point 5 above.
Thanks again, Bob. You’ve created a great essay as to why fans should wisen up and tune into other teams until this is corrected.
Amazing Bob, simply amazing. To see these same thoughts swimming through my head over the years actually transcribed makes me wonder why we even bother to follow this team or allow emotions to come into play. Alas, the many great things about this sport (and learning more about from writers like you) keep me coming back like a junkie looking for one more fix.
Unfortunately, Jerry's way has made himself (and many of his NFL peers) rich beyond comprehension, that no matter how each team runs/ruins their franchise they are virtually guaranteed of improving on their investment. He succeeded doing it his way so early in his ownership tenure that he can't help but believe it will happen again despite evidence to the contrary. However, the hubris Jerry displayed this week with his media interactions beg the question...just who out there (other than media) actually listen to/care what he has to say? Perhaps I am on an island here, but It has been at least ten years since I have sought out or paid attention to any interview or post-game presser of Jerry's (or Stephen's for that matter). If any of you continue to do so, then I beg you to please stop, for only once people stop listening/believing then Jerry/Stephen "may" stop talking, and actually get the F back to work to improve this team.
Totally agree with you wrote Andrew with one exception: it was Jimmy not JJ responsible for the three Super Bowl wins. All JJ did was write the checks.
I know that all too well Steve. What I meant is that he likely views the firing of Tom Landry and hiring of Jimmy (and more importantly winning with Switzer) as proof he is the best man for the job, and shouldn't be questioned otherwise.