Dallas Cowboys
What Dak Prescott Has Made Me Realize About Being a Cowboys Fan
"Dak Prescott has earned the right to be our quarterback, as hard as that is for me to say." - Tony Romo
With these words, along with many other powerful statements made by Tony Romo in his address to the media yesterday, a changing of the guard happened at the most scrutinized position in sports - quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.
Out was Tony Romo, the man who embodied this scrutiny over the course of a decade as this team's starter - rising to the occasion each time to keep America's Team relevant through some tough stretches.
In was Dak Prescott, an almost mythical rookie who's said all the right things over the course of his nine starts, including the constant reiteration that this was in fact Tony's team. Now, it is his team, because Romo himself has seen enough in the fourth round draft pick.
Not only was this a tough pill to swallow for Cowboys Nation, and the football community alike, but it was a moment in time that brought me to a greater realization when it comes to the amazing football team I've cheered for since coming into this world on the day they won Super Bowl XXX.
I love Tony Romo, but more importantly, I love the Dallas Cowboys. You CAN (and should) love both.
Tony Romo has always been my quarterback. He always will be my quarterback. There is simply no way to rightfully put into words how much his presence on this team has meant to me, as the only quarterback I've known growing up a Cowboys fan.
For the longest time, the Dallas Cowboys were my football team, and they were Romo's team - making Romo my quarterback that I would fight to the death to defend. Now, Dak Prescott's team is still my team - and they always will be.
Prescott has this team in first place, and I've enjoyed every second of this truly remarkable 2016 season thus far. I've realized that, because of my clear love for Romo, I've overlooked other greats like Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, or DeMarcus Ware.
For a while, those stars were all just part of Tony Romo's team. They helped Tony Romo win, instead of helping their team win.
Now, 53 players call themselves Dallas Cowboys, and I can proudly say I support them all as members of my football team. Anyone that runs out onto a football field with the greatest logo in the world strapped on their head has my full support, not just Romo.
It is perfectly alright to irrationally love Tony Romo more than any other athlete you've ever respected. I've certainly been there and done that. It is also in your best interest to love any quarterback that can win games as the starter in Dallas, which Prescott is certainly doing right now.
I am a firm believer that we are all part of teams throughout our life. You have your family, your classmates, your co-workers, and friends. These teams often work best as a cohesive unit that understands their roles on the team.
Tony Romo, one of the greatest players to ever wear the star, reduced his role on his team to a backup QB behind Prescott - in the best interest of this team.
I support Tony Romo's decision, and now I support Dak Prescott as the starting quarterback of my football team. Tony was right, he deserves this.
Let's go beat the Ravens. For Tony Romo. For Dak Prescott. For America's Team.
Tell us what you think about "What Dak Prescott Has Made Me Realize About Being a Cowboys Fan" in the comments below. You can also email me at Sean.Martin@InsideTheStar.com, or Tweet to me at @SeanMartinNFL!
It's been just a week since NFL free agents could begin negotiating with other teams, but it feels like a lifetime for anxious Cowboys fans. Dallas' seemingly passive approach to 2019 free agency has left many disappointed. Still, there are some moves to recap.
As has become their strategy in recent years, the Cowboys have focused on filling up their depth chart and trying to avoid any glaring holes prior to next month's draft. They've re-signed several backups and added at least one likely rotation player.
It's still far too early to judge Dallas' activity. Comparing the 2019 roster to last year will depend heavily on the draft, growth from current players, and other factors. But with the "second wave" of free agency upon us, it's a good time to look at who's come, gone, and stuck around so far.
New Arrivals
- TE Jason Witten (unretired)
- TE Codey McElroy (Rams)
- DT Christian Covington (Texans)
The biggest addition so far this offseason wasn't even a free agent, at least not in the purest sense of the term. Jason Witten's surprising return from retirement helped shore up one of Dallas' biggest needs, though it may not preclude them from drafting a tight end high in April.
Also at tight end, Dallas signed developmental project Codey McElroy. His experience is in baseball and basketball, having played just one year of college football. But at 6'6'" and 255 lbs., and having spent last year working with the Rams, the Cowboys must see something they're intrigued by.
Last week Dallas signed Christian Covington, who had 3.5 sacks for Houston in 2018 playing as a 3-4 defensive end. He should move to DT in the Cowboys' scheme and should be a solid addition to their rotation.
Former Cowboys WR Cole Beasley, now with the Buffalo Bills. (Derek Gee/Buffalo News)
Departures
- WR Cole Beasley (Bills)
- TE Geoff Swaim (Jaguars)
- DL David Irving (shenanigans)
- LB Damien Wilson (Chiefs)
Beasley is heading to Buffalo on a four-year, $29 million deal. It appeared the relationship soured between Cole and Dallas over his playing time last year, and clearly the Cowboys didn't fight hard to keep him.
Damien Wilson followed Anthony Hitchens to Kansas City to help round out their linebacker corps. Once it was announced that Dallas was hanging on to Sean Lee in 2019, it was fairly certain that Wilson wouldn't be back.
Also not expected back was TE Geoff Swaim, who signed with Jacksonville. Even before Witten came back, Dallas appeared likely to stick with Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz for returning talent and then add an upgrade via free agency or the draft.
While still a free agent, nobody expects David Irving back in Dallas or even the NFL after recent activities. Irving appears focused on a Hollywood career and advocating for medical marijuana use at this point.
Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence
Keepers
- FB Jamize Olawale
- WR Tavon Austin
- WR Allen Hurns (team option)
- OT Cam Fleming
- G/C Joe Looney (team option)
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (franchise tag)
- DT Daniel Ross (ERFA)
- LB Justin March-Lillard
- S Darian Thompson
While Dallas put the franchise tag on prized pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, his return in 2019 is far from settled. Lawrence has previously sworn he wouldn't play under a second franchise tag this year, and last we heard the two sides are far apart on a long-term deal. Could a holdout be on the horizon?
The Cowboys doubled-down on WR depth by re-signing Tavon Austin and exercising their team option on Allen Hurns' contract. Both are able to play out of the slot, meaning we could see more of a rotation approach to replacing Cole Beasley next year.
Dallas also re-signed fullback Jamize Olawale, which was a surprise given his low usage rate last year. Perhaps the change to Kellen Moore at offensive coordinator was behind this one, hoping to take better advantage of Olawale's receiving skills going forward.
Joe Looney and Cam Fleming will also be back as valuable backups on the offensive line. Looney started 16 games last year at center and also helps at guard, while Fleming will be the swing tackle once again for his second season in Dallas.
On defense, Dallas kept Daniel Ross in their DT rotation after solid performance in 2018. Justin March-Lillard return at linebacker, particularly for his value on special teams. And Darian Thompson, a former third-round pick by the Giants, is back as an ongoing developmental player.
~ ~ ~
Today we're already seeing a flourish of free agent activity in Dallas. Reports this morning have them meeting with WR Randall Cobb and S Clayton Geathers, and we haven't even had lunch yet.
If this is any indication, next week's recap may have a lot more to discuss.
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