The Limits Of Loyalty...almost

I am an unrepentant, semi-rabid, ever loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. Having been born in Texas I can name more players and coaches from the Cowboys than I can governors. In fact, it could be argued that Tom Landry in his heyday was more important than any of the elected officials of the great state. (In spite of his death, that still may be true.) Dallas was, and some argue, still is America's Team. Although not one of the oldest teams Dallas remains not only one of the most successful but one of the most traditional.

Even those who have perennially disliked the Cowboys are amazed that the fans have stayed true to the team after Landry's dismissal, the eccentricities of their owner, and the regular clashing of egos between players, coaches, owners and pundits.

Cowboys fans are committed, as loyal to their team (if not more so) than any fans out there, forgiving, gracious, and traditional. That is why the team's latest procurement is so disturbing. Fine, bring the Big Tuna to coach. Go ahead, hire an ex-Patriot (expatriate?) to throw the ball. Let slide some of the vital traditions of the past and continue to play in what is probably the most in need of care facility, though likely the most recognizable, of any team. But, hire TO? Loyalty has it's limits.

Terrell Owens committed the greatest sacrilege in Texas Stadium that could be committed by an opposing team. Like Antiochus Epiphanes slaughtering a pig on the altar in Temple of Jerusalem, Owens, after scoring a touchdown ran out to the center of the field, twice, attempting to spike the football. Sacrilege. George Teague, in an example of Maccabbean effort ran out to the center of the field and tackled TO. But the damage was done.

Now the Cowboys are hiring him to break them out of their slump. Parcell's thinks he can reign in this wild and unrepentant mocker. What is up with the Tuna?

To help me understand this I am reminded of the most important tradition within the NFL. In the words of one of the sport's greatest founding fathers, Padre Lombardi who said: "Winning is not everything, it is the only thing." If this Owens fella can get us there...so be it.

It makes the Dallas - Philly rivalry even better.