The Blue Star of the Dallas Cowboys. What does it mean? What is its history? What does it represent? For many of us the “Star” represents Championships, Winning records, Glory, and Success. No team in sports history brings to it such popularity, love and devotion; yet on the other hand, such hatred, hostility and disrespect. When you have a team with such a long history of achievement, as do the Dallas Cowboys, it is bound to make almost as many enemies as it does fans. The Star represents “America’s Team” as given to it by NFL films in 1979, and the name stuck because the team truly has loyal fans in every corner of the United States and beyond. The Star also represents wealth; wealth in accomplishment, wealth in finance, and wealth of notoriety. The latter part not always being the good kind. At times in it’s history, the blue Star has been tarnished. Not by failure of winning, (for that in itself can never tarnish the Star) but by failure in character. Every team has these problems, but with a team as famous as the Cowboys, player flaws and mistakes become magnified for all to see. Yet at other times, players who have had problems in their career with the law or with their teams, have come to Dallas, been given a second chance, picked themselves back up, and became very successful; as citizens and as teammates. In doing so, bringing honor to the Star and polishing it even more.


As a child I was drawn to the Dallas Cowboys like a magnet. I first remember seeing Tony Dorsett and Danny White. And I saw that Cowboy Star on the TV screen. I wanted to be a part of that in some way, in any way. I knew when I saw that star that it was something special. My parents bought me Dallas pajamas with that blue star which I wore every night. I was teased some growing up for being a Cowboy fan, but I didn’t care, and I never abandoned them during the lean years in the late 80’s. And when they won their championships again in the 90’s, I felt proud inside to know I was not a bandwagon fan. After some lean years again in the early 2000’s, the Dallas Cowboys and the Star are now shining bright again, marching proudly down the path to glory and success. Another Superbowl trophy is just around the corner.


The big Blue Star. The star is one of the earliest shapes we learn as children, and the Cowboys have taken this iconic symbol, merging it with tradition, consistency, and success, and claimed it as their own. The blue star has become the pinnacle of helmet and sports recognition. So if you see a blue star somewhere, anywhere, odds are, you are going to think “Dallas Cowboys.” So ask yourself, what does the Star mean to you?

John A. Hildman III

Last year I served a 6 month rotation in the “giant sandbox” in parts of Mideast Asia and a short jaunt to Africa. I'm in the Air Force and my current job is a Weather Systems Technician which allowed me to travel to multiple locations throughout the entire theater. During my tour I visited over 36 locations in 6 different countries. Traveling that much, it’s easy for a person to loose a sense of time let alone know what day it is. The one thing that always kept me on track was always looking forward to Sundays (sometimes Mondays and Thursday). Sacrificing sleep was a must with the time change. Usually the first games on Sunday started around 9 PM, depending on which time zone I was in and if your favorite team had the prime time slot, you’d have to get up at 3 in the morning to catch the kickoff. I wasn’t the only one pulling all-nighters for the sake of football. It seemed that wherever I landed, the game was on somewhere and it was a packed house at every location. Soldier, Sailors, Marines, and Airman packed the recreation halls, movie theaters, and chow halls. In some places that was all the same place. Some guys and few girls would have their favorite memorabilia set out before them and some even braved throwing on a jersey, even though “civilian” clothing wasn’t authorized.

Typically, I had it pretty well. On most occasions I was able to catch a Cowboys game and allot of those times I was waking in the early in the morning since Dallas had a 5 games in primetime this past season. Three of those were while I was in Qatar, which served as our base of operations. That 3 AM alarm clock was sometimes painful, but, always worth it. A quick stop at the Green Bean Coffee Shop for some bagels and super strong coffee were always a good way to start the game. I had a T.V. in my room, but, it wasn’t quite the same watching it there. At work I was able to chat with my fellow fans on CowboyGuide.com in the game threads and watch the game at same time. Doing so, I was launched 6000 miles back into everyone’s living room as I was able to live every single play with fellow fans. I was cheering for America’s team while fighting with America’s Forces.

One of my favorite places to watch a game and surf the internet at the same time was the Pat Tillman Center at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The facility was built from the Pat Tillman memorial fund. The designers tried to make the place look and feel as closely as possible to an average American home. It was complete with couches, low lighting, wireless internet, plasma TV, and an endless supply of coffee and Girl Scout cookies. Pat Tillman memorabilia scatters the walls along various other NFL and Army Airborne collectibles. My favorite spot was the balcony overlooking the “living room” with a good view of the T.V. and a small table for my laptop. Pat Tillman died needlessly in a friendly fire incident and for his sacrifice of giving up an NFL lifestyle to serve his country, for that he’ll be honored and remembered. From what I’ve gathered about him, he’d be the first to tell you, he’s not the only one to sacrifice his or her life for their country.

Football is the game of war, so it should come to no surprise to anyone that even the fiercest warriors in the world (myself NOT included) are huge fans of the game. The game of Football is played the way that wars were traditionally fought, staring straight in to eyes of your opponent on a common battlefield. Football is a sport where team cohesiveness is key to winning and no one quite understands that concept more then US Army, it is without question. Here there are no celebrity players. Sure, there is always the hot shot Special Forces sniper in the bunch, but, they make the same dough that every other guy makes and their focus is making sure our team wins, the stats don’t matter. If any NFL team truly understood that concept to the fullest degree, they would be the toughest team in football, without a doubt.

My last thought is from the last remote place I went to, LZ Stonewall. The Chinook Heliclopter Circled the mountainside camp for a good half hour. My troop and I began unloading the 5 cases of equipment and our personal gear. It wasn’t a mere 10 seconds after we landed when the local soldiers helped us to the side and we took cover. When a Chinook takes of it really throws some debris around and when it lands in a giant dirt field, you are caught in a swirling dust tornado. Just as the chopper was out of range and you could hear yourself think again an Army Sergeant walks up an starts talking, “we havent’ seen or heard from anybody in weeks since our attack last week, you got any news on the Patriots?” Sometimes after an attack on an installation occurs all internet and phones are turned off. On this particular camp, they didn’t even have Armed Forces Network or any other television access. Apparently, we were the first chopper to land in a couple of weeks due to typical high winds in the area. Even though I despise the team I still gladly gave him all the news of the past few weeks. Just think about that for a second, some of his buddies were killed last week and the first question he asked was the status of his favorite team. Football is only a sport, but, to those that serve in the military, even if it’s only the highlights, you are suddenly wisped away cheering for your favorite team on Sunday back home, yelling at the TV. Initially, I was disappointed that I had to deploy during football season, now, I’d rather not go any other time.

MATTHEW J. NECE, TSgt, USAF

The 2008 NFL Draft is history with the Dallas Cowboys picking up much needed secondary help, as well as a playmaker in the backfield. Along the way Jerry Jones was Jerry Jones in that he frustrated fans with trade after trade — and reaching for players several rounds too early.

In round One, the Cowboys selected Felix Jones from Arkansas. This was no surprise to most people except for those that held-out hope that somehow Darren McFadden would slip into Dallas' lap. Unfortunately, McFadden went to the Oakland Raiders with the #4 overall selection and with Jones sitting there at #22 the temptation was too great to resist. What posed somewhat of dilemma was the fact that Rashard Mendenhall, the Big Ten Player of the Year, was still available at #22. Given Jerry Jones' roots I suspect the debate was minimal and the Cowboys selected Felix Jones with Mendenhall going to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the very next selection at #23. Forever these two will be linked in the eyes of Dallas fans and it will be interesting to see if in fact the 'Boys made the right choice. I happen to think they did because Felix Jones has rare speed and should be a very good compliment to Marion Barber. He can catch out of the backfield, is a threat to score every from anywhere on the field, and will contribute right away as a kickoff returner. That gives him a slight edge in my opinion.

In the SEC, it was he who led the conference in yards per carry, not McFadden. Jones also is a good blocker and led the conference in kickoff returns. So clearly, it's the kicking game where he will make the biggest initial impact as it was an area in which Dallas needed much improvement. Marion Barber is still the heart and soul of a punishing ground game, but Jones will provide a dynamic change of pace. Once comfortable in the playbook, Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett should use able to use him in a variety of way to keep the defense off-balance. Screen passes, reverses, and the short dump-off will be exciting with a chance to score on any play.

Overall, Felix Jones is a solid selection at a need position. He is obviously an improvement over Julius Jones who last year was a cloud of thunder for two yards before he was dropped like a rock. Now in Seattle, Julius Jones was questionable from the start and over time it became very clear that the Dallas Cowboys' decision to pass on RB Steven Jackson was a huge mistake. One can only hope they learned from that mistake and  Rashard Mendenhall will not haunt Dallas for the next decade.

Grade: A

In the second round the Dallas Cowboys selected Cornerback Michael Jenkins from South Florida. He was the fourth Cornerback selected in the first round, #25, and he was selected after the Dallas Cowboys traded with the Seattle Seahawks. I personally held out hope for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but Jenkins was the #1 rated Cornerback on many boards, so it's tough to question the pick. That's especially true after watching team after team target Jacques Reeves last season. With the addition of Jenkins the Cowboys finally have the talent available to absorb an injury in the secondary without imploding. The only negative was the fact Dallas used draft selections to move up, however, it is unlikely Jenkins woulds have been available at #28, so this was a good case of getting the player you like for minimal cost.

Jenkins is 5' 10½ and weighs 193 pounds — and he ran a smoking 4.38 in the forty-yard dash. That's pure speed and speed kills. There were many Tampa Bay fans that were upset when the Bucs passed on Jenkins, instead taking Kansas Cornerback Aqib Talib. What I find interesting as well is the fact that Jenkins was wearing a Dallas Cowboys shirt this spring while attending USF spring practices. It's always nice to draft a player under those circumstances. He joins Anthony Henry, also from South Florida, in a secondary that on paper looks to be one of the very best in the NFL.

Grade: A-

In the second round the draft took an unexpected turn when the 'Boys selected Texas A&M Tight End Martellus Bennett. Wow! This just one day after trading Anthony Fasano and Akin Aolyle to the Miami Dolphins for a fourth-round selection. Well, I sort of expected a tight end to be drafted but not this high. Nevertheless, he's a big body with skill whom The Sporting news compared to Jason Witten. That's a good enough endorsement for me and there is no doubt the Dallas offense uses two tight end sets a great deal. He should be a very useful weapon in the Red Zone and once he catches the ball will be a load to stop given that he is 6' 6' and 260 pounds! A solid selection once the shock dissipated. Bennett entered the draft as a Junior since a new coaching staff was brought into Texas A&M. He received pre-draft advice that he would be a high selection and that indeed was the case. Still, the Cowboys are getting the best blocking/catching combo tight end in the draft — and a player who may very well have went much higher next season.

Grade B+

 Tashard Choice, a Running Back from Georgia Tech was selected in round four as the overall #121 selection. This was after a wild ride where Jerry Jones traded the Cowboys third-round selection (#92 overall) and then continued trading down until Tashard Choice was selected. The Cowboys went 61 total draft picks from the time they selected Martellus Bennett to the time Choice was selected. U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E! Evidently, there was not one player between #62 and #121 that struck Dallas as necessary so fans were left stunned, angry, and many just flat-out disappointed. Day two of the draft was a roller coaster ride with Dallas drafting six players, adding Pacman Jones through trade, and adding a 2009 third and fourth round draft selection. Wheeling and dealing is in Jerry Jones' blood, but Dallas has a long history of trading down for average value in return. Then, because they trade down, other teams draft players that would help the team. Even worse, Dallas usually trades back up — quickly minimizing further the value they received in the initial trade. I firmly believe a player like wide receiver Mario Manningham would have helped more in the third round, but time will tell. He was drafted by the New York Giants two slots after Dallas #95 overall pick. Nevertheless, I digress. Tashard Choice is a quality player and the running back position is a real team strength now. Perhaps the additional draft picks will be useful in a trade for a veteran wide receiver, but it was a wild ride nonetheless. Julius Jones and Tyson Thompson are out with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice in. That is definitely an improvement and it will keep Marion Barber fresh into the fourth quarter of games.

Grade: B- (May go up/down depending on what the 'Boys do with the 2009 3rd and 4th round selections)

In the fifth-round of the draft Dallas selected Cornerback Orlando Scandrick from Boise State. Another Junior, Scandrick is a bit raw but is blazing fast as he runs the forty-yard dash is 4.3 seconds. Still, he's 5' 10" and weighs 195 pounds. That is solid and he is terrific in run support. He's a developmental project, but anyone who saw Jacques Reeves continually targeted last season can't complain about building the talent level in the secondary. Scandrick, Jenkins, and even Pacman Jones who should be considered a fourth-round pick will all improve the defense and special teams in 2009 and beyond. Mel Kiper had Scandrick going in the second round, so to get him in the fifth-round is value.

Grade: B (Hey it's the 5th round)

After all the trading up/down Dallas ended up with just one more player. They chose Middle Tennessee State DE/OLB Erik Walden. Please, join me as I say "Huh?". Using the first selection in Round Six is two rounds two early in my opinion, but given the fact it was the last 'Boys pick I guess they had to reach.  A run-stuffing plugger was more in need given the fact that Jason Ferguson was traded (for this selection) and Tank Johnson is a mistake away from the unemployment line. Truly, would you rather have Jason Ferguson or Erik Walden today?

Grade: D

The draft started out on a high note — as it should with two first-round selections. The second day was unsettling with all the trades, but trading always carries risk/rewards that are an unknown until a few years later. Overall, the talent level improved with this draft and I'm convinced Dallas will acquire a big-time receiver before the 2008-09 season. That, a run-stuffing monster in the middle of the defense, and a young quarterback to groom is all that is missing from a stacked Dallas Cowboys roster.

Overall Draft Grade: B+

Ok. I finished the main website layout so now it's time to do some blog work on the upcoming draft — which is one of my most favorite events of the year.

Personally, I wish the entire Pacman saga would either be finalized or vanish. Seriously, sign him or close the door. I mean, some of my fellow fantasy football owners don't take this long to seal the deal in a trade. Wheel 'n Deal Cowboys would have signed him, cut him, signed him off waivers, and offered him to all other owners in a trade by now! Oh, by the way, I won this year (dig, dig, dig).

Nevertheless, whether the Cowboys sign Pacman or not the 'Boys still need a cornerback. Newman is looking for a new contract, Henry is grabbing his groin as usual, and the other guys (quick — name our current nickel cornerback) are untested. Get a quality cornerback this draft or else! If you read my message board, most people would do cartwheels if Dallas would draft Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The guy flat-out dominated in college, be it at Tennessee State, but he has the genes since his  cousin Antonio Cromartie is a standout cornerback for the San Diego Chargers. He run the 40 in 4.33 and burst upon the scene at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine.

Another hot prospect is Leodis McKelvin from tiny Troy University. Some scouts have him rated higher than Cromartie, but in the same breath use the word "finesse". I see that word and I immediately begin to question his play; however, I then look at the current Dallas Cowboys depth chart and think maybe "finesse" is not so bad. Truly, he also is a quality kick returner so I have warmed to the possibility — if he even makes it to #22 himself!

Either of these two players would really help the Dallas Cowboys as would Mike Jenkins from South Florida. In Mocks I have seen he is the #1, #2, or #3 rated cornerback. SportingNews.com has him going to the Cheatriots at #7 so he may well be a force the Cowboys face in the 2009 Super Bowl. Aquib Talib from Kansas and Virginia Tech Brandon Flowers are also highly rated, which leads me to believe that Dallas should have some tough choices to make at both #22 and #28. Surely one of these guys will fall right into Dallas' lap — the only question is whether they are brushed aside like Shaun Rogers, Steven Jackson, and Brady Quinn who were all unexpectedly available.