Congratulations to the Denver Broncos, winning their first Super Bowl in 18 years. Congratulations to Jerry Jones as well, as his drought of winning a world championship bests that.
Twenty years. That’s how long it has been since the Dallas Cowboys have played in a Super Bowl, let alone won one.
I remember thinking after the Cowboys won Super Bowl 27 that the long wait of 15 years was over since Dallas last were World Champions. The Cowboys have now beaten that longest stretch in team history by five years, and counting.
So how long until Dallas can be in position to win another one? Your guess is as good as mine. If the Cowboys can find a running back, a good possession wide receiver and some depth for the defense, that could come sooner than later.
An Early Look at the Draft
Speaking of finding talent, here’s what I am hoping for the Cowboys in the NFL Draft in a few months: the opportunity to trade down.
Hear me out, for there is a method to my madness. My starting point – the quarterback position. Like Troy Aikman and others have stated, I am of the opinion that Robert Griffin III will be the Cowboys’ backup quarterback next season. If that’s the case, I do not want them to spend the number four overall pick on a quarterback.
Rather, I’d love to see the Cowboys trade down, maybe to the ninth or tenth position or so, and pick up some extra picks in this year’s draft. Then take running back Ezekiel Elliott from Ohio State with that first round pick. Add a wide receiver and a linebacker with their next two picks (either late first round and/or second round selections), players that can make an impact right away, and it would give Dallas the ability to compete for the NFC East this fall, and back in the running for a Super Bowl berth.
Why not take a quarterback to groom? Oh, I’m all for it. But not if Griffin is here (and surely not Johnny Manziel any longer). Not with the No. 4 overall pick. And not with the crop of quarterbacks available as possible early first rounders. That would make no sense to me. Rather, I would prefer Dallas take a chance on a quarterback in the middle rounds. Namely, I would love for them to draft Dak Prescott from Mississippi State.
Six Cowboys on NFL’s “Golden Team”
The Super Bowl turned 50 this year, and of course the NFL announced a “Golden Team” to honor the greatest players from the previous 49 Super Bowls.
The Cowboys, who have appeared in eight Super Bowls, winning five of them, had six former players on the NFL’s “Golden Team.” The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors came up with the all-time team, celebrating the best performances from the annual game.
Emmitt Smith was one of two running backs. Named MVP of Super Bowl 28, Smith joined Franco Harris on the final list.
The other Cowboys include tight end Jay Novacek, guard Larry Allen, who only played in one Super Bowl, Deion Sanders, Charles Haley and Randy White, who shared MVP honors with Harvey Martin in Super Bowl XII.
Sanders won two straight Super Bowls following the 1994 and 1995 seasons with two different teams. After leading the 49ers defense to a Super Bowl 29 title, he joined the Cowboys and put them over the top for Super Bowl 30. Haley is the only player in NFL history to win five Super Bowl rings – two with the 49ers and three with the Cowboys.
Thanks, and Gig ’em
Finally I have to show some love for my favorite Aggie football player of all-time – Von Miller. I’m extremely proud of Von, and not why you might think. Yes, he was named Super Bowl MVP – a fantastic honor. But there’s something I’m more proud of.
He’s an Aggie. And he lets people know it. A lot.
During a week in which Manziel keeps making headlines for the wrong reason, and former quarterbacks vent about program dysfunction in College Station, there was Von. All week, he ended every interview the same way – raising a thumbs up and saying, “Thanks, and Gig ’em.”
Von simply represents all Aggies well. He spotted a media photographer (a darn good one too in Andrew Hancock) wearing a familiar gold ring during pre-game at the Super Bowl. The Broncos linebacker came over to him, confirmed that it was an Aggie ring, then exchanged handshakes and Gig ’ems. Do not ever underestimate the Aggie Network.
Von was the only player at the 2011 NFL Draft wearing a hat prior to coming on stage, and his was maroon and read, “Texas A&M Football.” Someone asked why he was wearing his collegiate hat on a day in which the NFL hat he would receive on stage would be the birth moment of his pro career. Von simply told them that after what Texas A&M did for his life and gave him the opportunity to walk across that stage, he wanted everyone to know how special he holds Aggieland in his heart. Ever since, he has closed every media interview the same way.
My turn, Von: Thanks, and Gig ’em.
