Dale Hansen Reflects on Covering the Dallas Cowboys and the Netflix Documentary

Early Days Covering the Cowboys

• 🏈 Dale Hansen started covering the Dallas Cowboys in 1980, feeling like a "little boy in a candy store" due to his limited prior NFL experience.
• 🤠 He admits to being a "glorified cheerleader" for the team, even wearing a cowboy hat at games at the request of player Charlie Waters.
• 🌟 Hansen recalls being star-struck by players like Roger Staubach, Danny White, and Tony Dorsett, a feeling that persisted throughout his career.

The Jerry Jones Era and Tom Landry's Firing

• 📉 The transition to Jerry Jones as owner was initially met with negativity, dubbed the "Saturday night massacre," and the firing of legendary coach Tom Landry.
• 🤝 Hansen believes Landry would not have made the Herschel Walker trade, which he argues was crucial for rebuilding the team under Jimmy Johnson.
• 📰 The story of Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson meeting at a local restaurant on the night of the potential sale broke dramatically, with Hansen initially being told by Tex Schramm that the rumors were untrue.

Jimmy Johnson's Coaching Style and the Triplets

• 🤯 Jimmy Johnson is described as a "strange duck" whose sole focus was football, leading to intense coaching methods, including withholding meals from players after losses.
• 👨‍🏫 Hansen contrasts Johnson's demanding style with Barry Switzer's more friendly approach, suggesting that Johnson's firm hand was necessary for the team's success.
• 🌟 The "Triplets"—Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin—are highlighted as a perfect combination, each elevating the others' performance and making the Cowboys dynasty possible.

Jerry Jones's Role and Legacy

• 🗣️ Hansen criticizes Jerry Jones for not giving enough credit to others, despite a sign on his desk that supposedly advocated for crediting others to "conquer the world."
• 🎯 He questions Jones's qualifications as a general manager, suggesting he wouldn't be hired by any team without his checkbook.
• 🎬 The Netflix documentary is praised as a "brilliant production" and a "fabulous story," offering a compelling look at iconic moments and the people involved.

Personal Reflections on the Documentary

• 📺 Watching the documentary brought back many memories for Hansen, reminding him of "who I used to be" and the "hell of a ride" covering the Cowboys.
• 😢 He admits to tearing up multiple times, particularly seeing himself on the field with players, reflecting on the passage of time and retirement.
• 👍 Hansen strongly recommends the documentary, regardless of whether one is a Cowboys fan, for its exceptional storytelling and production quality.