Something dawned on me after seeing Jason Garrett with "53" on his hat - Dallas Cowboys Forum

zack · 12-22-2012

I was watching the NFL replay from the Dallas/Steelers game. There was a shot of Jason Garrett on the sidelines wearing his Dallas Cowboys hat with the Big "D" and next to it was the stitched number 53 with a circle around it.

We all know that's Jerry Brown's number. As soon as I thought about him and his number, it dawned on me that there are 53 players on an active NFL roster.

His death has seemed to brought this team closer. The way players have been brought in and shuffled around on this team has been pretty amazing and that it takes 53 to win in the NFL.

I am hoping that this is sign for this team. I didn't know if anyone else thought about it that way or not, I just that it was really interesting.

Go Cowboys!

Hostile · 12-22-2012

I like it.

cajuncocoa · 12-22-2012

Me too.

sacowboysfan513 · 12-22-2012

Very interesting. I could very easily see this team being closer together after what happened to Brown.

Death is a hard thing to deal with, its always important to lean on those close to you for comfort and support during the hard times. And I bet they have leaned on each other during these times.

I could see this team going from just being teammates to becoming family after what happened.

Cajuncowboy · 12-22-2012

I know it's a big if but IF they somehow win the Super Bowl Jerry Brown's family needs to get a ring. This team has rallied around a memory and has a new sense of purpose it seems. They played smarter the last two weeks and have played gutsy football. There is no question in my mind that Jerry Brown is at the forefront of their thoughts.

zack · 12-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cajuncowboy

I know it's a big if but IF they somehow win the Super Bowl Jerry Brown's family needs to get a ring. This team has rallied around a memory and has a new sense of purpose it seems. They played smarter the last two weeks and have played gutsy football. There is no question in my mind that Jerry Brown is at the forefront of their thoughts.

Thanks Mods for fixing the title, much better.

Yes, I agree that they should honor him if they make it all the way.

Team - it takes all 53 to get it done.

acheman · 12-22-2012

Also, this is the FRANCHISES 53rd Year of existence! Good catch btw.

TheCount · 12-22-2012

The symbolism is obvious and probably valid but there is just something creepy to me about using Brown's death in relation to what is essentially a money making machine.

Especially since the vast majority didn't even know who the guy was before he died - it's like he means more to people dead that he ever did alive.

Chocolate Lab · 12-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCount

The symbolism is obvious and probably valid but there is just something creepy to me about using Brown's death in relation to what is essentially a money making machine.

Especially since the vast majority didn't even know who the guy was before he died - it's like he means more to people dead that he ever did alive.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this. Why not just a subtle black ribbon on the shirt or something? That big white 53 almost seems a little garish... Like he's trying to draw attention to it.

**Idgit** · 12-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCount

The symbolism is obvious and probably valid but there is just something creepy to me about using Brown's death in relation to what is essentially a money making machine.

Especially since the vast majority didn't even know who the guy was before he died - it's like he means more to people dead that he ever did alive.

I know exactly what you're getting at, and I felt the same thing. Ultimately, though, the corporate aspect I think is offset by the team aspect. I'm sure if you could somehow ask Jerry whether he wanted the team to come together after his death and use it for motivation, he'd be in favor of it. Especially if it ended up being a catalyst for something special.

But, yeah, the appearance of trying to 'benefit' from an unfortunate circumstance is something you want to avoid. I felt a similar way about Chris Johnson writing the kids' names on his shoes last weekend: it's a nice gesture, but it's hard not to see it as a publicity stunt, too.

Hostile · 12-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCount

The symbolism is obvious and probably valid but there is just something creepy to me about using Brown's death in relation to what is essentially a money making machine.

Especially since the vast majority didn't even know who the guy was before he died - it's like he means more to people dead that he ever did alive.

I guess I am unaware of the money Dallas is making off of the #53 and Brown's name. Would you mind telling me about it?

RomoIzDaMan · 12-22-2012

I get that most of the players didn't know Brown.JG did.He recalled numerous occasions when they would meet up and say hello.I think th bigger thing driving this team is Josh Brent.Say what you want about what he did but he is well liked among the players and I think more than the Brown aspect,it is Brent they are playing for. Forget where it was brought up-by Mickey Spagnola or beat reporter Mike Fisher but it was mentioned that there is a closeness among the team that was never there before.I believe this is driving the sudden upgrade in the teams play on the field more than anything else and just maybe,if they get nto the post season,it is enough to fuel them to the SB

dogberry · 12-22-2012

Is Brown the first Cowboys player to die during a season?

Hostile · 12-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogberry

Is Brown the first Cowboys player to die during a season?

Yes sir. He and Ennis Heywood were Practice Squad players and the only players associated with the Cowboys to die in their 20's.

WPBCowboysFan · 12-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCount

The symbolism is obvious and probably valid but there is just something creepy to me about using Brown's death in relation to what is essentially a money making machine.

Especially since the vast majority didn't even know who the guy was before he died - it's like he means more to people dead that he ever did alive.

As fans, practice squad guys are pretty much an unknown to us. Red and the Boys would have a different take on things, they actually knew him and he was a part of what they did as a team.

When you lose someone you know it hits hard. I only saw the 53 on Red's hat as a way to honor someone he knew. It was a thing of respect, not anything else. From everything we know about Red, I think it is safe to say his only motive is to honor Jerry and his family.