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CCBoy
08-11-2011, 10:47 AM
The spirit of Tom Landry is walking the floors of Valley Ranch
by CCBoy on Aug 11, 2011 12:54 AM EDT

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/8/10/2356830/the-spirit-of-tom-landy-is-walking-the-floors-of-valley-ranch


When the New York Giant coaching staff was breaking up and Tom Landry was coaxed to remain in football to take the reigns being offered by Murchiston, there was a mental commitment brought to the birthing Dallas team.

Tom was about to retire from professional football, but warmed to the idea of being in Dallas and continuing his coaching. One of the first moves that he did, was to convince Eddie LeBaron, who was about to take his Texas Bar Exam, to come out of retirement and take the role of quarterback for the new Dallas team. Landry took and rotated LeBaron and Don Meredith in a building process. But he had a plan.

On an occasion, following the first win, in 1961 against Pittsburgh, LeBaron approached Landry to suggest that the team take a different approach that was not as heavily centered upon the run. Tom informed him that the team had a more necessary objective. That was to build a rock solid team that could produce in the manner that he was taking the team...not just winning a single game against an opponent.

Landry had sold the principal up to ownership, and when things hit a little record skid, and the first five seasons came to a conclusion, Murchisaon gave the keys back to Landry for an unprecedented 10 year stint instead of what the press was expecting. Instead, Landry was allowed to continue the building on both type of player and a marriage within an established system. That combination netted a period of 28 years of what became a Cowboy team. Leaving behind the name of Rangers as well as a humbling beginning.

I would say that Jason Garrett is in a very similar situation at present. He has established himself as the head of the organization from the coaching staff and final line with the players. He is growing a system and mental reference as well. It is no small surprise that Jason has chosen Rob Ryan in the forging of this stage of that team's developments.

Hooooah! And it doesn't take much imagination to foresee a Jason Garrett era arriving as well.

CooterBrown
08-11-2011, 01:14 PM
Leaving behind the name of Rangers as well as a humbling beginning.


Good article, but this particular sentence left me puzzled. I like to think I'm pretty asute, but I guess I need someone else to explain this to me.

CCBoy
08-11-2011, 02:03 PM
Good article, but this particular sentence left me puzzled. I like to think I'm pretty asute, but I guess I need someone else to explain this to me.

The original name, proposed by Murchison, was supposed to have been Dallas Rangers. But there was a minor league baseball team that could have caused a conflict in association. After polling the public, Cowboys was the top finishing name of the final three for selection.

It was a trigger concept to a larger projection of both change, in actual title and then in growth to a real dynasty. That concept was where I was taking the mental picture that would include a similar path, excellerated with modern processes, to now include change with Jason Garrett and today's Dallas Cowboys.

The depth of process is very present, both in the roles with Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett as it was for Murchison and Landry. But the continuity of Name - Cowboys retains an element of legend with the origins and spirits of the departed Tom Landry...very alive in the hearts of fans as well, now.

Oh, and Cooter, thanks for the compliment on my article...

Signals
08-11-2011, 02:56 PM
Who is Tom Landy?

Hostile
08-11-2011, 02:56 PM
Good article, but this particular sentence left me puzzled. I like to think I'm pretty asute, but I guess I need someone else to explain this to me.Bedford Wynn first chose the mascot name Steers for the team. Tex Schramm immediately saw the issue of emasculated cattle as a no go and proposed the name Rangers. The original football contracts signed by Don Meredith and Don Perkins had the name Rangers, not Cowboys.

Fun article CC. Very much appreciate you sharing it with us.

GimmeTheBall!
08-11-2011, 04:11 PM
Coach Landy, gone but not forgotten.

CCBoy
08-11-2011, 05:59 PM
Who is Tom Landy?

The misspelling occurred when the title was put back in by a monitor, upon return of the post to it's current place on site. :) And another change, was the removal of the BTB reference as well.