How Much of a Connection?

[rcaldw]

I have a question that is at least interesting to me. I wonder if one of the mods would consider putting up a poll?

When did you start following the Cowboys in more than a casual way?

I began in the 2000's

I began in the 1990's

I began in the 1980's

I began in the 1970's - (I saw games in the late 60's with my dad, but started following on my on in about 1970)

I began in the 1960's

The reason I'm curious is to see how the fans on this board break down in terms of generations.

It is my belief that the newer the fan is to the Cowboys the greater the difference in terms of expectations, and that there is a very real difference also in terms of just our overall view of NFL football.

I would contend that older fans expect sustained excellence more than the newer fan, and that for the newer fan the perspective has been shaped by the new NFL, in terms of marketing and expectations. Each season stands on its on, represents its own entertainment level, and has very little connection with a history or tradition. Really, it is becoming more and more about the individual players (especially through the influence of fantasy football) and less about team tradition and history.

I think it would surprise some to see how some of the arguments that take place on this board can be explained, at least in part, by two very different perspectives of the Cowboys based on how long we have followed the team.

If this has already been done, forgive me, I haven't seen it, and maybe you could point me to it. It is also possible that my theory is flawed, but every once in a while I'll check someone's bio and where they have listed their birth date I'll say, "ah, yes, thought so."

 

[Doomsday101]

Diehard since 1965 and still going strong today.

 

[goliadmike]

I guess around 1973-74. It was a ritual during the fall to go to church rush home and watch the Cowboys.

 

[CATCH17]

I was born in 85 and my dad had me in a Randy White Jersey from day 1.

The 1st game I can remember watching was the playoff loss to the Lions in either 90 or 91.

 

[vta]

1979.

 

[superpunk]

I think if this thread gets a poll you're going to be surprised at how many angry, immature and short-sighted 35-year-old men follow the Cowboys.

 

[rcaldw]

I think if this thread gets a poll you're going to be surprised at how many angry, immature and short-sighted 35-year-old men follow the Cowboys.

I think you are right SP. I don't mean that its the younger guys who are more angry, not at all. What I think, and I may certainly be wrong about this, is that the newer fans really can't remember a different time with the Cowboys than this past playoff drought. As a result I think their expectations are a lot lower, and truthfully, maybe more realistic than some of us older guys. I remember two decades of dominance, very clearly. Tom Landry coached 105 wins in the 70's. Think about that. That is over 10 wins a season, and some of those were 14 games seasons.

 

[masomenos]

In more than a casual way?

Probably 2001.

 

[THUMPER]

I fell in love with the Cowboys in 1963 and have never regretted it. :starspin

 

[rcaldw]

I fell in love with the Cowboys in 1963 and have never regretted it. :starspin

Will be interesting if that gets the prize for the longest follower.