The term should have meaning for every player and with no exception. Players seldom play up to the representation of being associated with the Dallas Cowboys franchise for four consecutive quarters each game.
The usual effort is one, two or three quarters of good hardnosed professional football reminiscent of players coached by Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson or perhaps even Bill Parcells. Throw in Barry Switzer for players who continued to shine within Johnson's afterglow. The effort transitions to just getting by for usually three, two, or one quarter.
Even old rivalries have lost much of their previous meanings. It has been strange watching players huddled up before games, screaming and testifying at each other, before playing Philadelphia, New York or Washington. That same group level of energy and projected determination melts away. Sometimes a little bit at a time. Other times, just swoosh! Looking like slabs of meat, hanging over sideline benches, waiting for the games to end.
'Earning the Star' used to be something people strove for from their first day as a Dallas Cowboy to their last. Nowadays? Well. It isn't anything like it used to be, lol.
