Hawkeye19
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IMO-- the primary issue Dez is dealing with is not his physical decline or ability to run routes-- though those ARE concerns. The biggest problem he is facing is his own mentality. His own demons. It's his psyche. This is a bit of a ramble-- and I know there are lots of Dez posts already-- but IMO-- what he is dealing with now is bigger than football-- so hang with me for a sec.
Dez has always adopted a "it's me against the world" philosophy and he wants to prove the doubters/haters wrong. It was this way when he was in college, when he was drafted, and throughout his career. He uses the hate/doubt of others as motivation to play his best. When we win and he's scoring-- he's like Michael Irvin: passionate, hard working, tough, and an emotional spark plug. When we lose and he's not "getting his"-- he's like TO: whiny, demanding, and selfish.
Ultimately, the game of football has become about his identity and self worth as a man. His pride and ego are driving his mentality-- because if he doesn't perform well, then that proves the doubters/haters were right. With his performance deteriorating, he's left having to come to grips with who he is as a player, his legacy, and who is as a person. What we do in life flows out of who we are and what we believe. Right now-- IMO, Dez is a conflicted man who is desperately trying to defend himself against his critics, and every pass that's dropped, every time he gets slammed in the media is only adding to the pressure he feels to prove himself to the world and to his own heart. He is looking for peace and worth.
He has the most TDs in Dallas franchise history, and I will always be glad he was a Cowboy. He has my support. He is now facing the biggest challenge of his life-- and everyone of us have to do it as well: overcoming himself. Not an easy task-- but am I hoping he gets away this offseason, drinks a big, tall glass of perspective-- and comes back reoriented to the game of football, his team mates and coaches, himself, and ultimately his life.
A new mindset and approach to the above would do wonder for Dez, and I am hoping he can come through the storm stronger and more focused as a man.
Dez has always adopted a "it's me against the world" philosophy and he wants to prove the doubters/haters wrong. It was this way when he was in college, when he was drafted, and throughout his career. He uses the hate/doubt of others as motivation to play his best. When we win and he's scoring-- he's like Michael Irvin: passionate, hard working, tough, and an emotional spark plug. When we lose and he's not "getting his"-- he's like TO: whiny, demanding, and selfish.
Ultimately, the game of football has become about his identity and self worth as a man. His pride and ego are driving his mentality-- because if he doesn't perform well, then that proves the doubters/haters were right. With his performance deteriorating, he's left having to come to grips with who he is as a player, his legacy, and who is as a person. What we do in life flows out of who we are and what we believe. Right now-- IMO, Dez is a conflicted man who is desperately trying to defend himself against his critics, and every pass that's dropped, every time he gets slammed in the media is only adding to the pressure he feels to prove himself to the world and to his own heart. He is looking for peace and worth.
He has the most TDs in Dallas franchise history, and I will always be glad he was a Cowboy. He has my support. He is now facing the biggest challenge of his life-- and everyone of us have to do it as well: overcoming himself. Not an easy task-- but am I hoping he gets away this offseason, drinks a big, tall glass of perspective-- and comes back reoriented to the game of football, his team mates and coaches, himself, and ultimately his life.
A new mindset and approach to the above would do wonder for Dez, and I am hoping he can come through the storm stronger and more focused as a man.
