I'm at a crossroads as a fan

[Zordon]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but there was a time in the past when I'd get so upset after losses that I would call into work or skip school on Mondays, that's how wired into the team I was. I'm still emotionally invested into the team (not to that extent), I still watch every game to the bitter end, every Talkin' Cowboys, every Cowboys Break, every Legends Show, every video on that stinkin' site and every tweet or news clipping I read. But after last night, I think its time for me to take a step back. I felt ashamed last night. Not because of the Cowboys performance necessarily, but because I was putting off important stuff in MY LIFE to watch millionaires give half-*** effort in the 4th quarter. Not anymore. I've felt the apathy creeping on me the past year, I've tried to ignore it, but I think its time to accept the fact that my fandom for this franchise is waning every day that passes with Jerry Jones as GM. I'm going to take a step back as a fan of this franchise. I still enjoy posting here as CZ is a great forum, I'LL ALWAYS BE A COWBOYS FAN but I'll be making personal changes starting this week. Time to focus my energy elsewhere throughout the week b/c being a "fanatical supporter" of a Jones led franchise just isn't worth it anymore.

 

[Hoov]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but there was a time in the past when I'd get so upset after losses that I would call into work or skip school on Mondays, that's how wired into the team I was. I'm still emotionally invested into the team (not to that extent), I still watch every game to the bitter end, every Talkin' Cowboys, every Cowboys Break, every Legends Show, every video on that stinkin' site and every tweet or news clipping I read. But after last night, I think its time for me to take a step back. I felt ashamed last night. Not because of the Cowboys performance necessarily, but because I was putting off important stuff in MY LIFE to watch millionaires give half-*** effort in the 4th quarter. Not anymore. I've felt the apathy creeping on me the past year, I've tried to ignore it, but I think its time to accept the fact that my fandom for this franchise is waning every day that passes with Jerry Jones as GM. I'm going to take a step back as a fan of this franchise. I still enjoy posting here as CZ is a great forum, I'LL ALWAYS BE A COWBOYS FAN but I'll be making personal changes starting this week. Time to focus my energy elsewhere throughout the week b/c being a "fanatical supporter" of a Jones led franchise just isn't worth it anymore.

I was pretty disappointed last night as i see that the season is likely over in the first week of Dec and the hated eagles will likely take the division. I also dont see improvement coming in the near future.

But its good to keep priorities straight. The NFL is a league for our entertainment. Your personal life is much more important AND much more under your own control depending on the choices you make.

 

[maxdallasfan]

I just laugh now, and hope more pain and anger forces Jerry to do something.

 

[Bleu Star]

Prescribing to never getting too invested in following sports is strong medicine. So many other things are so much more important. I was very much like you describe and made the same life changes a couple of years ago. It's so much better when you temper your expectations and just enjoy whatever positives come about.

 

[chaztro1892]

I have been telling my son for a few years now. Things will not change until this core group of players is gone. These guys have no heart. Can't blame the weather, the Bears had to play in the same conditions. This is the worst defense I have seen in my 40 years of being a Cowboys fan. Even when they were 1-15 back in 89 they fought and didn't give up. They had free agents and Plan B guys fighting to stay in the league and never quit. The more important the games become, the worse they perform. I am embarrassed at what I saw last night. Did the Bears even have to punt? I know Jerry wants to win but a purge is needed and they need to start a rebuilding process. Starting with Garrett. I know injuries have played a part on the defense but everyone has injuries. The Bears lost two Pro Bowlers and although they weren't great by any means, they were still outperforming the Cowboys. It's just very hard to watch.

 

[noletime95]

Apathy crept in for me a couple years ago. I really don't get angry anymore. My problem is that I really enjoy following a franchise, not just a team. It's just not that hard to find the information and doesn't take much time or effort. I just don't care enough anymore to bother, because the reality of the Cowboys situation is just to depressing to spend much time on. I watch every Sunday, hoping to see some Romo magic. Once he's gone, I don't know if this franchise will be worth watching.

 

[UDcowboysfan]

Ya im completely the same, these used to kill me. Now i sleep just fine, have a cup of coffee and move on

 

[BoysFan4ever]

I'm fine if I don't watch them anymore so apathy has set in.

They're just no fun although this board is.

 

[bounce]

Put me in the apathetic category, also. I still watch every single game, but I simply don't care, anymore. A few years ago, when San Antonio was mentioned as a possible landing spot for a football team, I swore that I'd still follow the Cowboys even with a team in backyard. Now, I'm praying that SA gets a team (SD or Jax) so I can have a reason to jump ship.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

It doesn't bother me as much anymore because I expect games like this. If you don't expect anything more then you won't be disappointed. I'm more sad then anything. I miss the team that it used to be...when every week we had a chance to win and a bad season is not making it to the SB. It's been replaced by a team trying to win a bad division in the hopes that it can get smoked in the first round of the playoffs.

 

[ologan]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but there was a time in the past when I'd get so upset after losses that I would call into work or skip school on Mondays, that's how wired into the team I was. I'm still emotionally invested into the team (not to that extent), I still watch every game to the bitter end, every Talkin' Cowboys, every Cowboys Break, every Legends Show, every video on that stinkin' site and every tweet or news clipping I read. But after last night, I think its time for me to take a step back. I felt ashamed last night. Not because of the Cowboys performance necessarily, but because I was putting off important stuff in MY LIFE to watch millionaires give half-*** effort in the 4th quarter. Not anymore. I've felt the apathy creeping on me the past year, I've tried to ignore it, but I think its time to accept the fact that my fandom for this franchise is waning every day that passes with Jerry Jones as GM. I'm going to take a step back as a fan of this franchise. I still enjoy posting here as CZ is a great forum, I'LL ALWAYS BE A COWBOYS FAN but I'll be making personal changes starting this week. Time to focus my energy elsewhere throughout the week b/c being a "fanatical supporter" of a Jones led franchise just isn't worth it anymore.

I was where you are now, many years ago. I know what your going through. If I can survive over 50 years of this "roller coaster", so can you, my friend. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.......".

 

[Stash]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but there was a time in the past when I'd get so upset after losses that I would call into work or skip school on Mondays, that's how wired into the team I was. I'm still emotionally invested into the team (not to that extent), I still watch every game to the bitter end, every Talkin' Cowboys, every Cowboys Break, every Legends Show, every video on that stinkin' site and every tweet or news clipping I read. But after last night, I think its time for me to take a step back. I felt ashamed last night. Not because of the Cowboys performance necessarily, but because I was putting off important stuff in MY LIFE to watch millionaires give half-*** effort in the 4th quarter. Not anymore. I've felt the apathy creeping on me the past year, I've tried to ignore it, but I think its time to accept the fact that my fandom for this franchise is waning every day that passes with Jerry Jones as GM. I'm going to take a step back as a fan of this franchise. I still enjoy posting here as CZ is a great forum, I'LL ALWAYS BE A COWBOYS FAN but I'll be making personal changes starting this week. Time to focus my energy elsewhere throughout the week b/c being a "fanatical supporter" of a Jones led franchise just isn't worth it anymore.

That's very much how it was for me too.

But, over the past two years plus, I have spent less time, and zero money, on this team.

Unlike other fans, I have put the burden in the team to win back my loyalty rather than putting it on myself to support the team no matter what.

Since it is a consumable product with all the related costs, I have treated it as such.

So I asked myself, do I want to continue to buy junk?

My answer was no.

And now the burden is on the Cowboys organization to prove otherwise, not on me to blindly support an obviously inferior product.

 

[Mattsdad]

This set in for me about a year ago. As a fan of 35 years, Jerry Jones is doing a nice (albeit sad) job of making me uninterested in his product. Im soo tired of the embarrassing feeling nowadays of being a Cowboy fan; Jerry is a great businessman, but horrible NFL Exec. This organization owes every loyal fan an apology; I had more fun and interest during the 1-15 season. The organization no longer deserves nor has my loyalty till they earn it.

 

[Section446]

Right there with you, Zordon. I've got a big decision to make this year, not sure that I'll be holding onto my season tickets. This team is just such a poor investment of time and money.

 

[blackbull]

I used to be like you Zordon. Like you said though, they don't care so neither do I.

 

[Hook'em#11]

I still watch the games when I can. I don't schedule my life around them as I used to.. Course, with a kid and wife now. That has played a part in it. But, like last night, if I don't like what's going on. I turn the channel.

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

I actually changed the channel and started playing Madden mid 4th quarter, because at least in Madden I make the Cowboys win.

 

[Shunpike]

I guess this is a good defense mechanism to protect yourself from the heartache. But in the end, I am sure all of you will be fired up as soon as Dallas becomes a team like Seattle or New Orleans or Patriots.

It is just embedded to your soul. No matter what you do, in the end you will go back to it and still be fired up. This is what being a fan is.

 

[cajuncocoa]

I'm embarrassed to admit this but there was a time in the past when I'd get so upset after losses that I would call into work or skip school on Mondays, that's how wired into the team I was. I'm still emotionally invested into the team (not to that extent), I still watch every game to the bitter end, every Talkin' Cowboys, every Cowboys Break, every Legends Show, every video on that stinkin' site and every tweet or news clipping I read. But after last night, I think its time for me to take a step back. I felt ashamed last night. Not because of the Cowboys performance necessarily, but because I was putting off important stuff in MY LIFE to watch millionaires give half-*** effort in the 4th quarter. Not anymore. I've felt the apathy creeping on me the past year, I've tried to ignore it, but I think its time to accept the fact that my fandom for this franchise is waning every day that passes with Jerry Jones as GM. I'm going to take a step back as a fan of this franchise. I still enjoy posting here as CZ is a great forum, I'LL ALWAYS BE A COWBOYS FAN but I'll be making personal changes starting this week. Time to focus my energy elsewhere throughout the week b/c being a "fanatical supporter" of a Jones led franchise just isn't worth it anymore.

Your story sounds a lot like mine. I had an epic hissy fit after they lost to the Saints about a month ago, and I've had an episode like that during each of the last 3 seasons at least.

After I watched that NFL Network show this weekend (Top 10 Dallas Cowboys) I made myself come to the conclusion that those days are OVER. I can't give up the Cowboys (I have tried and failed) but it will never feel again the way it did in 1978 or 1993. Damn I miss those guys.

 

[Naruto]

The key is to find an activity you can do while watching the game so you aren't fully vested and you feel like you did something productive in the event they play like crap. Which is approximatley 8 times a year for the last 15 years.

Reading, video games, building models, sexing your SO. It's all good.