Mention the Dallas Cowboys in any circle, and the conversation is sure to get heated. The Cowboys (and perhaps the Patriots) are the most loved and most hated team in the NFL. While Dallas has taken great strides in cleaning up the "character issues" of the '90's, there is still a false perception of thuggery and criminal behavior, where once again, as in the '90's, the inmates are running the asylum. The truth is, this misconception couldn't be farther from the truth.

Foundation Of The Modern Misconception

During the 1990's the Dallas Cowboys rivaled the soap opera show Dallas for most intense drama. The most flamboyant Cowboy of all - Michael Irvin - made J.R. Ewing look comparatively tame and innocent. There were story lines of sex, drugs, attempted murder and murder for hire allegations that made it quite embarrassing to be a Cowboy fan.

Fans saw Irvin, the Cowboys' All-Pro receiver and a married man, charged with felony drug possession. They saw a man purported to be Irvin on secretly recorded videotape, talking about buying and using drugs. They read about an extortionist who, alleging that Irvin owed him money for drugs, threatened to blow up the offices of Irvin's attorney.

And then, in the story's darkest twist, fans learned that a Dallas police officer was accused of soliciting Irvin's murder after the football star reportedly threatened the officer's girlfriend (a stripper), a potential witness against him.

There was "The White House," code among the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990's for a house nearby their practice facility where some partook in illegal activities. "We got a little place over here where we're running some #### in and out, trying to be responsible," as Nate Newton said, "and we're criticized for that, too."

Remember this all came on the coat tails of Jerry Jones firing Tom Landry, one of the most revered members of the Cowboys franchise. As the story goes, Mr. Landry was playing golf in Austin when he received the news via telephone from a friend who had heard on the radio that Landry was fired and that he was replaced by University Of Miami coach Jimmy Johnson.

Personally, I struggled with the questions like "What does a city gain if it wins a Super Bowl but loses its soul? Do we forgive Irvin and forget because he catches passes and wins games?

A Change In Course

In May of 1997 Former Dallas Cowboys star Calvin Hill and his wife Janet were hired by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones as consultants for the team, which was in dire need of image reshaping. This came on the heels of when, from October 1995 to November 1996, five Cowboys players were suspended by the NFL for a total of seven times for alcohol or substance abuse.

The Hills, parents of NBA model citizen and superstar Grant Hill, agreed to be consultants after a nationwide search by Jones. Mrs. Hill was vice president of the corporate consulting firm Alexander & Associates in Washington, D.C., which she founded.

Mr. Hill, formerly a vice president for the Baltimore Orioles, was an independent consultant. Mr Hill was also a consultant to the Cleveland Browns. As a consultant with the Cleveland, he helped form a group of Cleveland Browns' players to control and eliminate drug and alcohol related problems. Mr. Hill has written several articles on sports and academia for national publications, makes appearances at university campuses and business firms, throughout the United States. He addresses several topics including the problem of drugs and alcohol and the work needed in this area, and the important relationship of sports and academia.

As consultants they devised a wide-range plan that called for hiring of additional managers and staff. It was the Hills' job to create a support system that would try to teach players how to keep their personal lives safer and saner. They created a number of programs including family assistance, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, and career counseling. Calvin was enthusiastic about the Cowboys' future a year later, when he spoke to The Hartford Courant: "When I went to Dallas, I was expecting a team full of characters....what I found was a team of character. People tend to let a couple of incidents color the perception....Fame is a microscope, and with the Cowboys, it's an electron microscope."

The Cowboys clearly needed to assist players who were dealing poorly with fame and fortune. The Hills' work with the team is part of a larger trend towards support programs in college and professional sports. "I wish I could tell each guy here to put all the money away for a couple of years until they figure out what to do with it," he said in the Hartford Courant; "The problem is, these young men are socialized a certain way ... and then they are given more money than they ever could have envisioned. They get all that money and fame too quickly, before they know how to handle it," he continued. The personal problems professional athletes face are well known to the Hills, not only because of Calvin's experiences in the NFL, but because of their son Grant's career in the NBA. Speaking of Grant's entry into professional basketball in the Dallas Morning News, Calvin remembered, "We were scared to death ... because we know what's out there."

A New Direction

The Cowboys organization, unlike every other NFL team, has the infrastructure in place to handle NFL malcontents. Calvin Hill serves in that capacity, and given Dallas' success rate with not only keeping these guys out of trouble but getting them to be productive on the field, I'd say he's doing a pretty good job. No player on the Dallas Cowboys roster has been in legal trouble, as a Dallas Cowboy. NO other team in the NFL can say that.

The image and success Calvin Hill has brought to Dallas has been tested repeatedly by Jerry Jones. Before the Hills ever came to Dallas, Jones had a penchant for taking on basket cases, beginning with the remolding of Charles Haley. After having a falling out with the 49ers head coach George Seifert and a physical confrontation with then 49ers QB Steve Young, Haley was traded to Dallas - the only team willing to take on Haley and his violent temper - in the 1992 off-season. With the Cowboys he became a model citizen and team leader while winning three more Super Bowl rings over the next four seasons in 1992, 1993, and 1995.

Calvin Hill's work had an impact on the Cowboys draft choices also. Randy Moss grew up a Cowboys fan and wanted to play for the Cowboys. The Cowboys wanted Moss, but due to many off-field incidents of their own, Jerry Jones did not feel they could draft Moss. Michael Irvin even called to apologize to Moss, because Irvin's own off-field problems were a main reason Moss was not drafted by Dallas.

Since that draft, Moss has made a history out of beating up on the Cowboys. Before he was drafted, Randy Moss had stood outside the D/FW Marriott following his pre-draft visit to the Cowboys and vowed to make every team that passed on him pay. Perhaps Jerry Jones should have listened. Jones and the Cowboys chose not to take a chance on Moss, given their success with avoiding character issue baggage. Perhaps the greatest thrill in Moss' career come from torching Dallas at every opportunity. He seems to have his best games living up to that pre-draft vow.

In 2003 the Cowboys went 10-6 with Quincy Carter as the starting quarterback and got back in the playoffs in Bill Parcells’ first year in Dallas. Carter passed for 3,305 yards with 17 touchdowns as the Cowboys advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Carter, a 2nd round draft pick in 2001, was released by Coach Bill Parcells - for what is believed to be a failed in house drug test - under Dallas' strict code of conduct policy. Carter could not be trusted with the leadership of the team. Strike one, you're out.

NFL Crime Blotter

In February 2007 ProFootballTalk.com began tracking NFL players, coaches and team reps arrests and incidents with what is called their "Turd Watch".

Turd Watch is a device for tracking and publicizing player arrests and convictions. Though some might find the name to be unpleasant, NFL scouts, coaches, players, and agents commonly use the term "turd" in reference to guys who are, well, turds. Take a look at the results - warning - the number of incidents is shocking:

7/16/08: Broncos CB Carl Paymah is convicted of DUI and careless driving.

7/10/08: Jaguars WR Matt Jones is arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance.

7/9/08: Pats RB Kevin Faulk pleads no contest to marijuana possession.

7/7/08: Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu pleads guilty to DUI.

6/30/08: Pats DB Willie Andrews is arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

6/28/08: Ravens DB Derrick Martin is arrested for possession of marijuana.

6/27/08: Bills RB Marshawn #### pleads guilty to failure to exercise due care, avoiding charges of hit-and-run.

6/24/08: Cardinals OL Brandon Keith pleads guilty to misdemeanor rioting and interference with official acts.

6/24/08: It is reported for the first time that Broncos WR Brandon Marshall was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery on March 6.

6/24/08: It is reported for the first time that LB Jordon Dizon was arrested six days before the draft for su####ion of DUI; he was drafted by the Lions six days later.

6/23/08: Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett pleads guilty to driving while impaired.

6/22/08: Titans DE Jevon Kearse is arrested for DUI.

6/21/08: Giants DB Geoffrey Pope is detained for questioning regarding potential felony battery charges. (On June 23, Pope was cleared of all charges.)

6/18/08: Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington is arrested for disorderly conduct.

6/15/08: Falcons S Daren Stone is arrested for DUI.

6/13/08: Titans WR Brandon Jones is arrested for misdemeanor possession of an unlawful firearm.

6/7/08: Bears RB Cedric Benson is arrested for DUI.

5/30/08: Jaguars S Gerald Sensabaugh is arrested for reckless driving; he was doing wheelies on a motorcycle.

5/24/08: 49ers LB Ezra Butler is arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana.

5/20/08: Saints DE Charles Grant is indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor fighting.

5/10/08: Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu is arrested for su####ion of DUI.

5/3/08: Falcons LB Michael Boley is arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery.

5/3/08: Bears RB Cedric Benson is arrested for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.

4/27/08: Patriots OL Nick Kaczur is arrested for illegal prescription of painkillers.

4/27/08: The Cardinals draft OT Brandon Keith with three pending misdemeanors – disorderly conduct, rioting, and interfering with officials.

4/27/08: The Titans draft LB Stanford Keglar with three pending misdemeanors — battery, false informing, and disorderly conduct.

4/27/08: The Eagles draft CB Jack Ikegwuonu with a pending misdemeanor (criminal trespass) and a pending felony (residential burglary).

4/27/08: The Bengals draft DT Jason Shirley despite three pending misdemeanors — hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent or higher.

4/26/08: The Chargers draft LB DeJuan Tribble despite a pending misdemeanor charge of assault and battery and a pending felony charge of assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

4/26/08: The Lions draft OT Gosder Cherilus despite a pending misdemeanor charge of assault and battery and a pending felony charge of assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

4/26/08: Lions S Kalvin Pearson is arrested for felony aggravated battery of a female, felony domestic battery by strangulation, and misdemeanor obstruction or opposing of an officer.

4/21/08: Seahawks DT Rocky Bernard is arrested for investigation of domestic violence assault, a misdemeanor.

4/20/08: Colts RB Kenton Keith is arrested on four misdemeanors — public intoxication, disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

4/13/08: 49ers CB Donald Strickland has been arrested for misdemeanor public intoxication and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

4/11/08: Dolphins FB Regan Mauia is arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery.

4/9/08: Eagles DT Mike Patterson is found guilty of careless driving: likely to endanger a person.

4/3/08: Browns CB Kenny Wright is arrested and charged with unlawful restraint, evading arrest and fleeing, and possession of marijuana.

4/3/08: Bengals WR Chris Henry is arrested for assault and criminal damaging.

3/28/08: Giants LB Antonio Pierce pleads guilty to animal neglect.

3/19/08: Steelers WR Cedrick Wilson is arrested for simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

3/16/08: Texans WR Jacoby Jones is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

3/15/08: Titans RB Lendale White is cited for destruction of property, disobedience to a lawful order, and interference and resisting.

3/12/08: Packers LB Nick Barnett pleads no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

3/11/08: Titans assistant coach Chuck Cecil pleads guilty to reckless driving.

3/11/08: Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett is arrested for misdemeanor driving while impaired.

3/8/08: Steelers LB James Harrison is arrested for misdemeanor assault and criminal mischief.

3/1/08: Browns CB Kenny Wright is charged with possession of marijuana.

3/1/08: Broncos DT Marcus Thomas is arrested for felony cocaine possession.

2/24/08: Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie is arrested for felony aggravated battery, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest without violence.

2/22/08: Patriots RB Kevin Faulk is charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.

2/19/08: Raiders CB Fabian Washington is arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery.

2/19/08: Broncos RB Andre Hall is arrested for driving on a revoked license, a misdemeanor.

2/17/08: Texans WR Jerome Mathis is arrested for choking his pregnant girlfriend, a misdemeanor.

2/16/08: Eagles DT Mike Patterson is arrested and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession, driving while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and careless driving: likely to endager a person.

2/15/08: Bills WR Roscoe Parrish is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

2/15/08: Titans CB Pacman Jones pleads guilty to felony obstruction of a police officer.

2/5/08: Pats DB Willie Andrews is arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, a felony.

2/1/08: Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth is charged with misdemeanor public intoxication.

2/1/08: Giants defensive end Adrian Awasom is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

1/22/08: Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder is charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

1/15/08: Jaguars defensive end Brett Hawkins is arrested for DUI.

1/11/08: Broncos tight end Daniel Graham is arrested for misdemeanor harassment.

12/29/07: Ravens safety Gerome Sapp is charged with misdemeanor assault.

12/28/07: Jaguars offensive lineman Stocker McDougle is arrested and charged with felony battery on a person over the age of 65 and misdemeanor touch-strike battery.

12/28/07: Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon is arrested for su####ion of misdemeanor DUI and driving on a suspended license.

12/25/07: Dolphins assistant coach Mike Dumas is arrested for simple battery.

12/26/07: Vikings defensive end Darrion Scott is arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

12/13/07: Vikings safety Dwight Smith is arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and obstructing traffic.

12/8/07: Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun is cited for misdemeanor assault.

12/6/07: Bucs assistant coach Dwayne Stukes is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

12/1/07: Broncos QB Darrell Hackney is arrested for su####ion of misdemeanor DUI.

11/29/07: Texans OL Chester Pitts is charged with felony evading of police.

11/19/07: Bucs LB Cato June is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

11/3/07: Jaguars OL Richard Collier is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

11/3/07: Jaguars LB Justin Durant is charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence.

10/23/07: Rams OL Claude Terrell is arrested for misdemeanor assault.

10/22/07: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is arrested for su####ion of DUI.

10/16/07: Rams TE Dominique Byrd pleads no contest to DUI charges.

10/15/07: Bills DE Anthony Hargove pleads guilty to disorderly conduct charges.

10/12/07: Redskins OL Kili Lefotu is arrested and charged with simple assault, public drunkenness, and destruction of property.

10/11/07: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport is charged with domestic violence, endangering children, and unlawful restraint, all misdemeanors.

10/9/07: Packers LB Nick Barnett is charged with two counts of disorderly conduct arising from a prior arrest for one count of disorderly conduct.

10/4/07: Bears LB Lance Briggs pleads guilty to misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

9/29/07: Jaguars tackle Khalif Barnes is charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

9/25/07: Falcons quarterback Mike Vick is indicted for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting; both are felonies.

9/15/07: Titans assistant coach Chuck Cecil is charged with DUI, a misdemeanor.

9/5/07: Browns CB Leigh Bodden is charged with aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.

8/27/07: Falcons QB Mike Vick pleads guilty to one count of felony conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling and dog fighting.

8/27/07: Bears LB Lance Briggs is charged with misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident.

8/23/07: Buccaneers WR David Boston is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

8/17/07: Vikings DT Fred Evans pleads guilty to two felony charges.

8/13/07: Vikings sign DT Fred Evans while he is still facing misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing, and "multiple" felony counts of resisting arrest with violence and battery on a police officer

8/6/07: Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon pleads guilty to negligent driving.

8/5/07: Bills DE Anthony Hargrove is arrested and charged with misdemeanor harassment, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest.

7/26/07: Panthers OL Jeremy Bridges is arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault.

7/24/07: It is first reported that Dolphins WR Kelly Campbell was arrested and charged with felony marijuana possession, felony Ecstasy possession, and a misdemeanor charge of providing false information to a police officer.

7/23/07: It is first reported that Falcons CB Jimmy Williams was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in early June.

7/19/07: Falcons QB Michael Vick is charged with conspiracy to maintain an interstate gambling enterprise, conspiracy to sponsor animal fighting, and conspiracy to transport dogs for dog fighting.

7/14/07: Dolphins WR Chis Chambers is charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving, and speeding.

7/12/07: Jaguars OT Khalif Barnes pleads no contest to DUI charges.

7/6/07: Chargers LB Anthony Waters is charged with misdemeanor simple assault and battery.

7/5/07: Raiders DE Bryant McNeal is arrested on charges of felony fraud against a pawn broker, and misdemeanor fraudulent check writing.

6/28/07: Rams DT Claude Wroten is arrested for misdemeanor property damage.

6/26/07: It is revealed that Dolphins DT Fred Evans was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession on February 10, 2007, and later pleaded no contest to the charges.

6/22/07: Dolphins DT Fred Evans is arrested on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing, and "multiple" felony counts of resisting arrest with violence and battery on a police officer.

6/20/07: Titans CB Pacman Jones is charged with two counts of felony coercion. (The 14 points replace the 13 points that the Titans got when police recommended that Jones be charged with two misdemeanors and one felony in connection with the Las Vegas strip club incident.)

6/17/07: Bengals RB Quincy Wilson is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

6/17/07: Packers LB Nick Barnett is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

6/16/07: Browns WR Mike Mason is arrested and charged with aggravated disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business, all of which are misdemeanors.

5/30/07: Dolphins LB Joey Porter pleads no contest to misdemeanor battery charges.

5/25/07: Broncos WR David Kircus has a charge of violent crime added to his existing assault charges.

5/21/07: Broncos WR David Kircus is charged with felony assault.

5/20/07: Jets CB Justin Miller is arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault.

5/18/07: Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson is arrested and charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault after allegedly punching a woman in the eye.

5/10/07: Steelers LB Richard Seigler is arrested and charged with three felonies relating to allegedly acting as a pimp.

5/10/07: Ravens QB Steve McNair is arrested and charged under Tennessee's "DUI owner" law, a misdemeanor.

5/5/07: Jaguars CB Ahmad Carroll is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ecstasy, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

5/4/07: Bengals DE Frostee Rucker pleads guilty to misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment and vandalism.

5/2/07: The New Orleans Saints sign defensive tackle Water Thomas despite a pending felony charge of conspiracy to commit robbery.

5/1/07: Bears DT Tank Johnson pleads guilty of misdemeanor possession of a firearm without a valid identification card.

4/29/07: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign TE Jerramy Stevens with two misdemeanor charges pending against him.

4/29/07: The San Francisco 49ers draft CB Tarell Brown with misdemeanor weapons charges from September 2006 pending against him.

4/26/07: It is reported for the first time that Falcons QB Mike Vick was charged with misdemeanor trespassing in February 2007.

4/19/07: Vikings CB Ronyell Whitaker is arrested and charged with misdemeanor careless driving and DUI.

4/15/07: Vikings CB Cedric Griffin is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

4/6/07: Seahawks radio analyst Warren Moon is arrested on su####ion of DUI.

4/1/07: Bucs OT Anthony Davis is arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

3/31/07: Colts DE Darrell Reid is arrested and charged with su####ion of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, obstruction, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

3/30/07: Buccaneers RB Lionel Gates is arrested and charged with three felonies -- assault of a pregnant woman, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and criminal mischief of more than $1,000.

3/26/07: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is arrested on su####ion of misdemeanor false imprisonment and domestic violence.

3/26/07: Police recommend that Titans CB Pacman Jones be charged with misdemeanor battery, misdemeanor threat to life, and felony coercion.

3/25/07: Panthers G D'Anthony Batiste is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and improper window tinting.

3/25/07: Free-agent CB Dexter Reid is arrested and charged with misdemeanor gun charges and felony marijuana charges.

3/21/07: Raiders RB Dominic Rhodes pleads guilty to reckless driving.

3/21/07: Bengals WR Chris Henry is charged with driving on a suspended license, failing to wear a seat belt, and failing to use a turn signal.

3/19/07: Jaguars S Gerald Sensabaugh is arrested and charged with speeding and carrying arms, both misdemeanors.

3/19/07: Saints LB E.J. Kuale is arrested and charged with felony weapons possession and misdemeanor marijuana possession.

3/18/07: Dolphins LB Joey Porter is charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly punching Bengals tackle Levi Jones in the face.

3/13/07: Free-agent TE Jerramy Stevens is arrested and charged with DUI and marijuana possession.

3/10/07: Jaguars WR Charles Sharon is arrested and charged with grand theft of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm; both are felonies.

3/9/07: Titans CB Pacman Jones was arrested on felony obstruction charges, two misdemeanor obstruction charges, and misdemeanor marijuana possession in 2006 but failed to disclose the arrests; they were first reported in March 2007.

3/9/07: Cardinals assistant coach Richie Anderson is arrested on misdemeanor charges of solicitation of prostitution.

3/9/07: Bengals CB Deltha O'Neal pleads guilty to reckless driving.

3/9/07: Bengals CB Johnathan Joseph enters a diversion program on marijuana charges.

3/9/07: Raiders sign RB Dominic Rhodes while criminal charges are pending.

3/7/07: Rams TE Dominique Byrd is arrested for DUI.

3/6/07: Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson pleads no contest to burglary and grand theft charges.

3/5/07: Steelers CB Deshea Townsend is charged with simple assault.

2/23/07: Colts RB Dominic Rhodes is charged with a total of two misdemeanors for his February 20 DUI incident.

2/21/07: Bengals LB Odell Thurman pleads no contest to drunk driving charges.

2/20/07: Colts RB Dominic Rhodes is arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

2/19/07: Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux is arrested and charged with felony animal abuse.

2/14/07: Chiefs DE Jared Allen pleads no contest to drunken driving.

2/8/07: Bears DT Tank Johnson pleads guilty to probation violation.

2/7/07: Chargers S Terrence Kiel pleads guilty to a felony and misdemeanor charge.

2/6/07: Titans DB Cortland Finnegan pleads guilty to reckless driving charges.

If you'll notice, there is ONE Team missing. One team which failed to gain the notoriety brought on by a shameful arrest or conviction. Who could that be?? Well I'll be damned, if it aint those wily, slick and crafty Dallas Cowboys. Who would have guessed it??



Last Chance Stop

Is it really any wonder that players on their last straw are eager to go to Dallas and save their career? The success stories are many, and the failure rate is almost non existent. Demetrius Underwood is the only failure, if you can call it that. To this day he still has a severe mental disorder, and played his short career while being diagnosed with a Bipolar disorder.

The finest example of success is Deion Sanders. Sanders voted the 1994 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year and recorded an interception in the 49ers 49-26 win over the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. After the season, Jerry Rice and Sanders publicly feuded — Rice fumed at the idea that the media felt Sanders was the missing link to the 49ers Super Bowl run and that it was not giving credit to the other 52 men in the locker room. This ultimately resulted in Sanders feeling unappreciated by the 49ers organization and he opted to leave the team.

After his public dispute with Jerry Rice, and the 49ers, and not feeling valued by the franchise, Cowboys' owner Jones brought Sanders' "Prime Time" show to Dallas.

During his time in Dallas, Sanders not only found happiness, but found himself as well as finding God.

As I stated above, the Cowboys, unlike every other NFL team, has the infrastructure in place to handle NFL malcontents. Calvin Hill serves in that capacity, and given Dallas' success rate with not only keeping these guys out of trouble but getting them to be productive on the field, I'd say he's doing a pretty good job. No player on the Dallas Cowboys roster has been in legal trouble, as a Dallas Cowboy. Can any other team in the league say that?

Police Blotter Reference Link from ProFootballTalk.com

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Given all of the negative headlines that we are rapidly being subjected to by some modern day athletes (on an almost daily basis), please take a moment to absorb an enlightening story that calls upon that inner child in all of us. The old school concept of playing the game for the love of the game.

This is the story of an NFL player that will someday (whether it be sooner or beit later is yet to be determined) leave behind an incredible legacy as great as the game he loves. Dan Campbell - Former tight end for Texas A&M University, Former tight end for the New York Giants, former tight end for the Dallas Cowboys and current tight end for the Detroit Lions - is a nine year veteran of the NFL. Although Dan The Man is hardly a household name, he's been a perennial blocker for several years and one of the iron men of the trenches.

2002 was his best year with the Giants. Campbell's blocking was instrumental in the career-years of both Kerry Collins and Tiki Barber (1,387 rushing yards, a career-high and the second best total in Giants history). Despite the addition of Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey, Campbell started all 16 games and caught 20 passes for 155 yards (a 7.8 yard average) and a touchdown.

After four years with the Giants, Dan joined Dallas as an unrestricted free agent. In his first of three season with the Cowboys, he appeared in 15 games with eight starts. Hauled in 20 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown. Was selected to the USA Today All-Joe team for his unselfish blocking and clutch receptions. In 2005 he was elected offensive team captain by his teammates. Selected to receive the Cowboys 2005 Ed Block Courage Award after recovering from an appendectomy (July 27) the day the team reported to training camp.

Campbell, known as one of the NFL’s premier blocking tight ends, proved his ability to stretch the field in the Lions’ offense in 2006. He is considered to be one of the most technically sound blocking tight ends in the entire league, and is continuing to grow as a pass catcher. He signed a five-year deal with Detroit March 14, 2006

So now I've painted a picture, a resume of a man who has sustained numerous injuries yet through strenuous and dedicated rehab, has remained a part of the league. Campbell is the epitome of the alpha male iron man.

Campbell has developed a bad right elbow. Most any other player would have retired from the painful injury. Not Dan. He had surgery and returned - as usual - earlier than normal. Re-injured the elbow, had a 2nd elbow surgery, and returned again, as always - early.

Understand, I've always admired Dan Campbell as one of the unsung heroes of the NFL. The man is unselfishly building a legacy as a blocker along the lines of a Daryl "Moose" Johnston or a Mack Strong.

Campbell amazed coaches, players and fans by returning to the NFL following that 2nd surgery. Have no doubt that I was in awe to hear of his return again to the Lion's training camp in 2007. The man simply refused to quit.

Then it happened AGAIN. I remember that day - September 23, 2007 when ESPN released the following report: "The Detroit Lions have placed starting tight end Dan Campbell, who sustained an elbow injury in last Sunday's overtime victory against the Minnesota Vikings, on injured reserve, ending his 2007 season."

All heroes have a weakness, Superman had kryptonite. Achilles had his heel. Campbell came to terms with his elbow being his own Achilles' heel. What I have learned now, is that before Detroit had time to put Campbell on injured reserve, back on September 23rd of '07, Campbell had already had a radical THIRD surgery, two days earlier on September 21st. An elbow specialist reattached the triceps tendon -- what was left of it, anyway.

With very little tendon left in his right elbow, following the three surgeries, Campbell's playing days were obviously over. This is where Dan's story takes a bazaar turn. Dan, facing the fact that his playing days were obviously at end, opted for something radical on that Friday in September. Dan had the surgeon reinforce his elbow with, get this, an Achilles tendon, from an actual dead body - a cadaver.

Now I don't believe you could find another person willing to go through such goulish experimental extremes to remain in the NFL - except Dan Campbell.

"I said, 'Get it fixed. I don't care what it takes,' " Campbell said. "I did have some questions about, 'Well, how does that work?' You hear about transplants, different organs or stuff like that.

Campbell caught only one pass for one yard last year before going on injured reserve. After this latest surgery, he wasn't allowed to lift weights until February 2008. He lost about 25 pounds. He has gained back about 15, putting him at about 255, where he might stay.

"I still feel strong enough and explosive enough, but I actually feel a little faster," Campbell said. "So I kind of like it. I don't know yet. I haven't decided."

Campbell hopes to be ready for training camp; failing that, he said, he definitely would be ready for the season opener Sept. 7 at Atlanta. He laughs at jokes like this: Hey, now the Lions can fudge the injury report : Campbell, questionable (Achilles).

"I'm having a good time with it," Campbell said. "The joke's going to be on everybody else when I come back playing. I'm excited."

In the age of steroids, trade demands, arrests and Show Me The Money, Dan Campbell is a quiet unsung feel good story in the making. Truly a breath of fresh air in this era of character issues gone wild.

So when you're looking over the 2008 NFL schedule, circling those must see games, be sure to circle Sunday September 7, 2008. It's the Week One match-up featuring Detroit @ Atlanta, but more importantly it's the return of Dan Campbell, and his new Achilles' elbow.

As everyone should be aware by now, the NFL 2008 season schedule is up and posted on NFL.com. Here's a look at the strength of schedule analysis based on opponents 2007 win/loss records. The Pittsburgh Steelers - who face the challenge of overcoming the toughest schedule in the NFL - will face each team in the AFC South and the NFC East, arguably the two toughest divisions in the league that total 8 teams without a losing record in 2007. Only 4 of the Steelers 16 games are against sub-.500 teams, that being the division games against the Ravens and the Bengals.

The 18 and Uh-Oh Patriots receive the NFL version of a cake walk, playing only 5 games against teams that finished 2007 with a .500 or better record. Looking at the Patriots schedule it's very possible to finish the season 14-2 with home field advantage throughout the playoffs, again.



STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE, BASED ON OPPONENTS 2007 RECORDS

Team . ... ... ... Opp. 2007 Win%
Steelers ... ... ... ... .598

Colts ... ... ... . . . ....594

Jaguars ... ... . .. ....559

Vikings ... . .. ... ... ..551

Ravens ... ... . .. ... .551

Titans ... . .. . .. ... . .551

Bengals . .. ... . . .. .547

Texans . .. ... . .. ... .547

Browns .. . . .. ... ....547

Lions .. . .. . ... .. . ...543

Bears . .. . .. . .. . .. .531

Packers . .. .. . . .. ..531

Redskins . . . .. . ...523

Cowboys . . . . . . ...523

Eagles . . . . .. .. . ...520

Giants . . . .. . .. . ....520

Rams . . . . .. .. . . ...488

49ers . . . . . . ... ... .484

Seahawks ;;;;.. ..;..477
; ;;
Buccaneers .... .. .469

Falcons .. .. .. ... .. .469

Cardinals ..... ... .. .465

Dolphins .... .. . ... .465

Panthers ... .. .. ... .465

Jets ... ... .. .. ... .... .457

Chiefs ... .... .. . ... .453

Bills ... ... ..... ... ... .449

Saints ..... ... ... ... .449

Broncos ..... ... ... .445

Raiders ..... .. . ... .438

Chargers ..... .. .. .422

Patriots ... .. ... ... .387


MidniteCowboy's Pre-Draft Predictions:

AFC DIVISION CHAMPIONS:

AFC East - New England Patriots 14-2

AFC North - Cleveland Browns 10-6

AFC South - Indianapolis Colts 11-5

AFC West - San Diego Chargers 13-3


NFC DIVISION CHAMPIONS:

NFC East - Dallas Cowboys 11-5

NFC North - Minnesota Vikings 11-5

NFC South - New Orleans Saints 9-7

NFC West - Seattle Seahawks 12-4

Indianapolis Colts (5-0) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

           

                     Monday Night - October 22, 8:30 p.m. ET

Tony Dungy brings his defending Super Bowl Champion Colts to the hostile confines of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Monday night for a prime time battle of division supremacy in the AFC South. The Colts - undefeated this season - are coming off a bye week having had time to nurse wounds and devote extra preparation toward their game plan against Jacksonville.

The Jaguars - who have won four games in a row following a heartbreaking home opener loss to Tennessee - will face a Colts team that has won it's last 10 games, including all 4 postseason games last season. In a surprising move by Head Coach Jack Del Rio in September, the Jaguars released former 1st round pick quarterback Byron Leftwich and handed the reins to quarterback in waiting David Garrard. “I’ve only done things I thought were necessary to make us win," said Del Rio. "Every move has been made solely to help us win more games." Not being the flashy player that Leftwich was, Garrard's game has been toned down by offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, and with the guidance of quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, Garrard has been attentive to his mentoring, having yet to toss an interception this season.

Jacksonville on offense:

Look for the Jaguars to force their 4th best in the NFL run game early against the Colts. With the one-two punch of running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, the Jags have been inflicting their will on opponents while the dynamic duo is on a pace to collectively rush for 1,932 yards.

            
Jones-Drew is coming off a 125 yard rushing game against Houston last week, and has emerged as the Jaguars 3rd leading receiver having gained 260 all purpose yards in that performance.

With 29 yards rushing against the Colts Monday night Fred Taylor will cross the 1,000 yard rushing plateau against the Colts in only 12 games against them.

“We’re very happy to have an explosive combination in our backfield; a 1-2 punch like we have,” Del Rio said, referring to Jones-Drew and veteran Fred Taylor, who is 190 yards away from reaching the 10,000-yard rushing mark. “We think it’s important to have that explosive quality when one guy gets gassed or nicked,” Del Rio added.

                                           
   
While Garrard has thrown for only 1,069 yards this season, he has been meticulously effective completing 90 of 136 passes with 6 touchdowns and zero interceptions while accumulating a very respectable quarterback rating of 104.7 in the process. While neither receiver Dennis Northcutt or Marcedes Lewis is on a pace for 1,000 yards receiving in Jacksonville's run oriented offense, both will be dependable in clutch 3rd down chain moving situations against the Colts. Yet the Jaguars will be testing uncharted waters if forced into a game of catch-up.


Jacksonville on defense:

Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith - a contributing blueprint designer of the Baltimore Ravens defense - was brought in after defensive guru Jack Del Rio was promoted to Head Coach in January of 2003. In 2000, the Ravens' championship defense set NFL 16-game records for fewest points allowed (165) and fewest rushing yards allowed (970). It is no surprise that since that time he has built the Jaguars into one of the top defenses in the NFL in every category. The Jaguars defense has allowed only 200 yards total rushing in their last four games since that opening day loss to Tennessee.

While the Jaguars were foremost built on the premise of being a run stuff oriented unit they have - over the course of the season - morphed into a more complete package defense. Cornerbacks Brian Williams and Rashean Mathis are bringing recognition to the secondary, holding opposing offenses to an average of 208 yards a game passing.

                                       
Jacksonville's defense is number 2 in the NFL in points allowed, holding opponents to an average of 11.6 points per game while sacking the quarterback 15 times and forcing 5 fumbles, recovering four of them. The battle in the trenches - the Jaguars' defensive line vs the Colts' offensive line - will be the centerpiece key match-up of the game.

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Indianapolis on offense:

Say what you will about the New England Patriots and their offense, but the Indianapolis Colts offensive line is quietly the best in the league. Heading into the Monday night game, the Colts line has allowed just 3 quarterback sacks, best in the NFL while opening running lanes and protecting the quarterback well enough for the offense to produce 17 touchdowns. Not bad for a unit that has only one Pro Bowl performer — center Jeff Saturday — and one rookie starter, second-round draft pick Tony Ugoh, at left offensive tackle. Still, the group that includes Saturday, Ugoh, left offensive guard Ryan Lilja, right offensive guard Jake Scott and right offensive tackle Ryan Diem comprise the backbone of a very potent Indianapolis offense.

Indianapolis’ running game — with second-year running back Joseph Addai and rookie running back Kenton Keith — is averaging 142 yards per game, 5th in the NFL and the Colts’ highest running average in 20 years.

                         

All Kenton Keith ever wanted was a chance to prove that he belonged in the NFL. After rushing for a career-high 121 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Colts in his first league start, Keith — filling in for the injured Joseph Addai — now knows he’s where he should be.

The Colts passing game is arguably the best in the NFL and led By defending Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning. Manning is complimented by an arsenal of receivers including Pro Bowl receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, along with former Iowa consensus first team All-American tight end Dallas Clark. Rookie wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, the Colts’ first-round draft pick last spring, has been the starting slot receiver this season.

With Harrison sidelined with a sprained left knee, Anthony Gonzalez was thrown into the lineup as an outside receiver, along with regular starter Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. He responded with a career high in receptions and yards with seven and 71, respectively, during Week 5's 33-14 win over Tampa Bay.

The Colts play a balanced offensive game that is 3rd in the NFL in points per game (32.8), and 3rd in the NFL in total yards per game (402.8).

Indianapolis on defense:

If there is such a thing as a weak link to the Indianapolis Colts, the closest thing that the Jaguars will find is the Colts give up an average of 105.4 yards per game rushing. Hardly a weakness as it rates 13th in the NFL, but that will be Jacksonville's target.

Against the Buccaneers, the Colts dominated the clock and their improving defense never gave Tampa Bay a chance in a 33-14 blowout in Week 5. Indy's defense held Tampa Bay to 177 yards, only 17 of that on the ground.

The 39 offensive plays run by Tampa matched the second-fewest ever allowed by a Colts team. The New York Jets had 34 in November 2003 and San Francisco had 39 in September 1963. When asked about the lopsided loss, Bucs coach Jon Gruden replied "You do the math there. You're not able to do a lot when you don't have the ball." The Colts defense held the Bucs to numerous 3-and-out drives.

A stingy Colts defense with interceptions by 6 different players will present little opportunity for David Garrard to play catch-up.

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For The Colts To Win They Must:

1) Find a way to stop Jacksonville's running game. Taylor ran nine times for 131yards against Indianapolis last December, including a 76 yard sprint on Jacksonville’s first play of the game. Jones-Drew added a career-high 166 yards on 15 carries. Even seldom-used running back Alvin Pearman had 71 yards on the ground.

2) Win the time of possession battle. If the Colts best in the NFL offensive line can hold off Jacksonville's strong defensive front 7 and establish clock control with long time-consuming drives, the Jags will be forced to abandon their running game to play catch-up. Simply put - if the Jaguars control the clock, they will control the scoreboard. The best defense against Drew-Jones & Taylor is to keep them off the field.

3) Create miss-matches against Jacksonville's linebackers. Tight end Dallas Clark and slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez need to be utilized to their fullest potential in short yard pass situations. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne will have their opportunities in 3rd down situations, but relentless pressure from Jacksonville will force Manning into 1 - 3 step quick release passes.

For The Jaguars To Win They Must:

1) Have success in the passing game. Garrard has been playing methodically mistake free as a passer this season since his elevation to starter and must continue so against the Colts. He must wisely take his chances down the field to keep Indy from stacking the box and stifling the Jaguars superior running game. If Garrard can keep Indy's defense spread out, then the ground game will flourish.

2) Keep pressuring Manning. He is one of the very best in the game at calmly checking down receivers. If allowed to take five step drops and survey the field, he will pick apart the Jaguars' secondary all night. Cornerbacks Brian Williams and Rashean Mathis can play the Colts receivers tight from the line of scrimmage if the guys up front apply constant pressure on Manning and force him into quick passes into a crowd.

3) Win the Special Teams battles. Field position is crucial against the arsenal of offensive weapons that Indianapolis possesses. Maurice Jones-Drew, the second-year player is averaging 26.5 yards per kick return this year with a season longest of 42 yards. He has the ability to be a difference-maker as he was in last December's game against the Colts with a 93-yard touchdown sprint in Week 14. The Jaguars cut under-achieving punter Chris Hanson after last season and spent their 4th round pick on four-time All-American Adam Podlesh. He is averaging over 40 yards per punt this season and has yet to boot one into the end zone for a touchback.

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This is a part of MG's 1st Annual FOX Sports Blogger Competition: Round 2

We wanted to be one of the elite teams and obviously we're not...

Wade Phillips, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, following the Cowboys 48-27 loss to the New England Patriots Sunday.

 

 

"The last time we were here, they booed us, It was good to hear them cheering us."

LaDainiain Tomlinson in San Diego after his eighth career 100-yard game against the Raiders. LT rushed for 198 yards and 4 scores in the Chargers 28-14 win over Oakland.

 

 

 

 

 

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"Wherever he's watching today, which quarterback will Drew Bledsoe be pulling for?"

Randy Galloway, my favorite sports media personality and writer for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Three championships later, you'd think Bledsoe is still more upset about Tom Brady replacing him in New England. But he wasn't exactly giddy over losing his job and his football career last season to Tony Romo.

From Couch Potato To Hot Potato: Early last week 43 year old ageless wonder Vinny Testaverde's phone rang as he was sitting on the couch. He turned down a job offer from Arizona, then accepted one from Carolina moments later. Testaverde signed with Carolina on Wednesday. In some interesting news reported first by NFLNetwork and then posted on ESPN Sunday morning, the Arizona Cardinals will likely sign fellow couch potato Tim Hasselback as a back up to newly acquired couch potato Tim Rattay. Hasselback is the brother of Seahawks QB Matt Hasselback and the son of one time NE Patriots tight end Don Hasselback.

There’s no reason to take the Bears seriously. Not for the next month at least, probably not for the rest of the year, maybe not until the draft."... a quote from The Rosenblog, contributing sports writer for the Chicago Tribune after the Bears loss to the Vikings. The Minnesota attack was led by Adrian Peterson's 224 yards, an 11.2 yards per carry average and three touchdowns, all 35 yards or longer.

"I'm not really worried about him, when the ball is thrown, I just want to make plays and do what I'm supposed to do." ...Kellen Winslow, the class act former University of Miami star after being the victim of casino thug Joey Porter trash talk all week leading up to the Miami/ Cleveland game Sunday.

Last week, Porter had lambasted Winslow in an interview, dismissing him as less than a true tight end because he is more of a passing threat than a run-blocker. "It really hasn't been a war," Porter said Wednesday. "It's been one-sided. I've never lost to him. You've got to win some to make it a war. ... Until you beat me, it's one-side." Porter took heat last season for using a homosexual slur when talking to the media about Winslow in a post-game interview on Dec. 7.

Winslow answered Porter's pre-game trash talk with five catches for 90 yards in Sunday's 41-31 victory. With 32 seconds remaining, Winslow hauled in a pass and - rather than attempt a juke to break free - chugged straight into Porter for a 15-yard gain. Two plays later, Winslow got behind Porter down the seam for a 33-yard catch to put the ball on the Dolphins' 3 with eight seconds left. After an incomplete pass, the Browns kicked a field goal for a 27-10 lead.

"I could care less. We won the game. I'm glad it's over, just like the other records. We're 5-1, so it feels a lot better than having no picks and being 1-5."

Brett Favre, who became the NFL's career interception king with an errant pass picked off by Redskins safety Sean Taylor in the third quarter of the Packers' 17-14 victory Sunday.

"Very solid team effort. There was some adversity we had to fight through early in the ballgame. Guys did a nice job of playing with discipline and poise, two things I stressed during the week." ...

Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio referring to the team's recovery of giving up 2 turnovers early in the game, yet managing to lead at halftime as a result of an on side kick which led to a field goal. The Jags went on to beat Houston 37-17.

"I feel sorry for Wayne Huizenga, our owner. I feel for our former players and I feel for our fans....These times are tough, but this is the business and we have to get this thing solved." ...Coach Cam Cameron of the Miami Dolphins regarding the late great franchise falling to 0-6 and dead last in the NFL.

Three Stars and the Purple Jesus The Ragnarok blog, a fan blog of the Minnesota Vikings, gives out three "star" awards to the top 3 players of the game for Minnesota every week. This week he pushed the envelope a bit further and added the Purple Jesus award to Adrian Peterson for his Sunday performance of scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 224 yards on 20 carries, breaking Chuck Foreman's team record of 200 yards set 31 years ago.

Now the Dallas Cowboys know they're good enough to hang with the big boys in the AFC - just not yet ready to beat them. Especially not when Tom Brady plays like this... Jamie Aron of the Washington Times... Brady threw a career-high five touchdown passes, with Donte Stallworth taking the final one 69 yards to break open a tight game early in the fourth quarter, as the New England Patriots won 48-27 on Sunday in a rare battle of teams with 5-0 records.

He showed his speed and quickness. He showed he's a fine back. He got around us. He cut back. It's too hard to come back, as a rule, when you dig a hole like that for yourself.''... Mike Holmgren following Reggie Bush's 97 yards rushing and 44 receiving on 25 touches as the Saints defeat Seattle 28-17 for their first win of the 2007 season.

"I went around and told the guys, 'If you want to win, stop them now. If we want to win, let's stop them right now and we'll win the ball game. To see the way that we responded – everybody out there on the defensive side of the ball – we've got to enjoy this one."... Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Takeo Spikes following the Eagles 16-9 victory over the New York Jets. With the Jets down by seven and facing a second-and-1 at the Eagles' 4-yard line in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, the defense simply refused to give the Jets that solitary yard.

 

 

A picture paints a thousand words:

Matt Bryant's 43-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining Sunday gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a 13-10 victory over the Titans. Tennessee had a five-game road winning streak halted after the 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year limped off the field in the third quarter.





Last but certainly not least:

Meet Tracy Phillips, actress, dancer, Bum's granddaughter, and Dallas Cowboys Coach Wade Phillips' daughter. Her IMDB page shows that she's starred in well-known films such as "Ides of March," "42K," the yet-to-be-released "Dark Streets" and she was an uncredited dancer in "Clerks II." She's danced in a number of music videos, for people like No Doubt, the Goo Goo Dolls, Ricky Martin and Will Smith.