Holding onto fading/fraudulent dreams (Troy, Emmitt, Moose, Owens, Dez, Zeke, Luepke)

john van brocklin

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It's inevitable in the world of fandom: A bond forms. You buy a guy's jersey, or for whatever reason you feel emotionally connected to a player. Your fav was epic once and lifted you to football heaven... or he's destined to do so soon. Maybe he plays the same position you did in high school. You really like his style on the field, or the tough expression on his face. Perhaps he reminds you of an old favorite! Or maybe he said say something that utterly convinces you: This guy coulda/shoulda been my brother...part of the family.

This is all natural and good...with one hook: From that point forward to the end of time: you can't let go. Past all thought and reason, you can't let go.

-In the late 90's Troy had lost it. While still exquisitely accurate, his movement inside or out of the pocket was stiff as hell. Fans like me held on.
-In a similar timeframe Emmitt had gone from elite to great to good. Fans held on.
-Moose left without much fuss, but we've labelled many fullbacks since as his heir. Fans hold on for the next Moose-like fullback. The fire for the next Moose is so bright around Cowboys nation, it can spontaneously combust.
-Owens and Dez were gone, yet years later heart-strings were still plucked. "Please bring him back" some pleaded.
-Oh... and Zeke. Have you read a single word I've posted?

A hundred thousand posts on this very forum have centered on this single issue: Some just can't say goodbye to a favorite player, or a cherished dream to resurrect him in another form.
Tis the nature of fandom.
 

youngjerryjones

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Too young to watch emmitt or troy go through their prime years and decline. I did see that with Dez though, and did feel like politics went into the decision but with his drops it might have been his time to go.

Tony Romo, when he broke his back that last time in the pre-season I didn't want to see him play again because I wanted him to walk and enjoy his time with his family, that one was a little bit easier to let go. Zeke held us hostage and created animosity towards himself with the holdout and decline directly into the year he got paid, so i think that one was easier too.

Not only does this post sort of hit home, I think for a long-time this is how the front office operated. Jersey sales and revenue kept players around for a year or two longer than they should have stayed... folks always mentioned the patriots way was to get rid of them and we took that approach now copying the Balt Ravens for their comp pick formula.

I don't think I'll miss Dak either and I've been his biggest supporter but when players start to hold the team hostage, it makes me feel like they are in it for THEM and not the TEAM, especially when you've already taken care of your family financially and the Jones have helped you do that, things are on the fence right now with how he will approach his next negotiation - the writing is on the wall where he is either the weak link or link that gets us there.

I am enjoying Micah every game right now while it lasts - who knows a season/career ending injury or even another contract could change his perception or play on the field, so long-story short - it's hard to let go...but it's damn sure not hard to enjoy it while it's here. Enjoy this season's defense while we are on top.
 

youngjerryjones

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I'm one of the posters that will not let Tryon Smith go... still feel like he is top 5 in the league and needs a full season to solidify that again. Zack Martin is another one I enjoy to watch because he has seldom years of elite play left.
 

Established1971

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It's inevitable in the world of fandom: A bond forms. You buy a guy's jersey, or for whatever reason you feel emotionally connected to a player. Your fav was epic once and lifted you to football heaven... or he's destined to do so soon. Maybe he plays the same position you did in high school. You really like his style on the field, or the tough expression on his face. Perhaps he reminds you of an old favorite! Or maybe he said say something that utterly convinces you: This guy coulda/shoulda been my brother...part of the family.

This is all natural and good...with one hook: From that point forward to the end of time: you can't let go. Past all thought and reason, you can't let go.

-In the late 90's Troy had lost it. While still exquisitely accurate, his movement inside or out of the pocket was stiff as hell. Fans like me held on.
-In a similar timeframe Emmitt had gone from elite to great to good. Fans held on.
-Moose left without much fuss, but we've labelled many fullbacks since as his heir. Fans hold on for the next Moose-like fullback. The fire for the next Moose is so bright around Cowboys nation, it can spontaneously combust.
-Owens and Dez were gone, yet years later heart-strings were still plucked. "Please bring him back" some pleaded.
-Oh... and Zeke. Have you read a single word I've posted?

A hundred thousand posts on this very forum have centered on this single issue: Some just can't say goodbye to a favorite player, or a cherished dream to resurrect him in another form.
I have no idea what your point is. What are you saying specifically that people are doing that perhaps they shouldnt be and what do you suggest they do instead?
 

DallasEast

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There is nothing wrong with remembering history. Some people over glorify history, which can intentionally or unintentionally tarnish it.

Each player and coach leave an indelible mark on those who follow a franchise. Some marks are huge. Other marks are tiny. Most are large enough.

In my opinion, fans should remember those who came before. Legacy endures through both good and bad times.

Enjoyment derived from cheering on another person happened. It was not fantasy. It existed. It should never be discarded or forgotten. Instead, it should be embraced and reminisced.
 

zrinkill

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Maybe Jerry should stop giving away 88 like it's a black friday sale.

Until that happens you can hardly blame the fans
 

Blast From The Past

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It's inevitable in the world of fandom: A bond forms. You buy a guy's jersey, or for whatever reason you feel emotionally connected to a player. Your fav was epic once and lifted you to football heaven... or he's destined to do so soon. Maybe he plays the same position you did in high school. You really like his style on the field, or the tough expression on his face. Perhaps he reminds you of an old favorite! Or maybe he said say something that utterly convinces you: This guy coulda/shoulda been my brother...part of the family.

This is all natural and good...with one hook: From that point forward to the end of time: you can't let go. Past all thought and reason, you can't let go.

-In the late 90's Troy had lost it. While still exquisitely accurate, his movement inside or out of the pocket was stiff as hell. Fans like me held on.
-In a similar timeframe Emmitt had gone from elite to great to good. Fans held on.
-Moose left without much fuss, but we've labelled many fullbacks since as his heir. Fans hold on for the next Moose-like fullback. The fire for the next Moose is so bright around Cowboys nation, it can spontaneously combust.
-Owens and Dez were gone, yet years later heart-strings were still plucked. "Please bring him back" some pleaded.
-Oh... and Zeke. Have you read a single word I've posted?

A hundred thousand posts on this very forum have centered on this single issue: Some just can't say goodbye to a favorite player, or a cherished dream to resurrect him in another form.
We actually did bring Hershel Walker back. But I understand what you are putting down here. It is hard to say bye to your favs. I wanted Zeke back but now see it is better with him gone. I think it's natural to feel this way.
 

CWR

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Appreciate the growing pile of Cog-Dis. (rhymes with things, doesn't it?)

Thread is just half-an-hour old and its going just as expected.

I'm actually suprised anyone would have trouble admitting so. It's painfully obvious we root for the guys and want to see them succeed.

When Dez caught that ball against GB and we were robbed I'll never forget Romo standing in front of his family and breaking down like a child into tears.

I desperately wanted to see that man succeed. His talent and abilities merited a greater degree of success, his body didn't.

I pushed for Dak as well, it was because Romo had lost all semblance of durability. Still though, when we've needed a qb, my mind drifts to Romo trying to suit up one more time.
 

T-RO

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Luepke looked good in the 3rd pre-season game where we held out everyone who we were certain had made the roster. But prior to that he looked like a stumbling oaf.
Maybe they can cobble some mix of ST/HBack guy out of that, but it is indeed a long shot.

He'll stay on the roster if he plays good ST. Numerous posters have envisioned a notable role for him in the offense. Maybe, but count me among the surprised if that happens.

Romo was a good QB who couldn't stay healthy. And you can't pay franchise QBs to sit on the bench... or else Jerry would have.
That last season there were many here wanting the Cowboys to push Dak to the bench and re-insert Romo. I might have agreed if the health issues so overwhelming.

Zeke was the least popular Cowboy since essentially the day he signed his massive contract.
Zeke has had some extremely strong supporters. He sold a ton of uniforms. But with some the off-season stuff in the first few years left a stain.

A small handful of people felt sorry for the shots he took and the unceremonious dumping, but we all knew he wasn't worth even 8M a year much less 16M.
I don't see Zeke meriting the 3mil he got paid to play for the Pats. He sure was less than a JAG in his first game.
 

Blackrain

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It's inevitable in the world of fandom: A bond forms. You buy a guy's jersey, or for whatever reason you feel emotionally connected to a player. Your fav was epic once and lifted you to football heaven... or he's destined to do so soon. Maybe he plays the same position you did in high school. You really like his style on the field, or the tough expression on his face. Perhaps he reminds you of an old favorite! Or maybe he said say something that utterly convinces you: This guy coulda/shoulda been my brother...part of the family.

This is all natural and good...with one hook: From that point forward to the end of time: you can't let go. Past all thought and reason, you can't let go.

-In the late 90's Troy had lost it. While still exquisitely accurate, his movement inside or out of the pocket was stiff as hell. Fans like me held on.
-In a similar timeframe Emmitt had gone from elite to great to good. Fans held on.
-Moose left without much fuss, but we've labelled many fullbacks since as his heir. Fans hold on for the next Moose-like fullback. The fire for the next Moose is so bright around Cowboys nation, it can spontaneously combust.
-Owens and Dez were gone, yet years later heart-strings were still plucked. "Please bring him back" some pleaded.
-Oh... and Zeke. Have you read a single word I've posted?

A hundred thousand posts on this very forum have centered on this single issue: Some just can't say goodbye to a favorite player, or a cherished dream to resurrect him in another form.
Why is there a hook???

It doesn't hurt anybody to not let go I will always remember Roger Staubach and the great football he gave me to watch.

The memory of those great players from the '70s goes back to a Time when we were a dominant proud franchise that could be counted on in the second half of games important games to come out with memorable victories.
There is no hook to great memories it's always a win-win
 

Blackrain

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Please elaborate on what I'm supposed to be judging
Clutch football play and many super bowl appearances happened.
Left me with great memories absolutely no reason in my mind to let them go they're a pleasant reminder as to how great and dominant this franchise was at one time
 

T-RO

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Please elaborate on what I'm supposed to be judging
Clutch football play and many super bowl appearances happened.
Left me with great memories absolutely no reason in my mind to let them go they're a pleasant reminder as to how great and dominant this franchise was at one time
Glad you have your memories from the 70's. What an epic slice of Cowboys history, with no possible dispute. That's when the Cowboys earned the moniker "America's Team."

That said, it's just not relevant to this thread.
 

T-RO

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In my opinion, fans should remember those who came before. Legacy endures through both good and bad times.

Enjoyment derived from cheering on another person happened. It was not fantasy. It existed. It should never be discarded or forgotten. Instead, it should be embraced and reminisced.
You want Jerry to make roster decisions like this--never discarded or forgotten?
 
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