When you wish upon a star…

Once upon a time a long, long time ago lived a serious man with a suspicious hat who coached a professional football team called the Dallas Cowboys.

When the Cowboys played at home – Cotton Bowl or Texas Stadium – the facility was packed with 299.9 percent Dallas Cowboys fans.

Not anymore.

The Cowboys entertained the Bourbon Street Saints in the last home game of the 2012 season.

In Jerry’s castle, Saints fanatics – smothered in black and gold – sat/stood/yelled in front of us, behind us, on the sides of us, on the escalator, in the concession line, in the men’s room.

Didn’t used to be that way.

On a rainy fall afternoon in 1967 the Cowboys hosted the Billy Kilmer-led Saints in the Cotton Bowl.

I imagine there were 60,000 to 70,000 fans, with maybe 100 Saints fans in attendance, but they wouldn’t admit it because the Cowboys were among the NFL’s elite.

Same way with other opponents – albeit more powerful than the “Aints” – from yesteryear lore.

Maybe a few Packers fans dotted the stadium, maybe some Eagles fans wanted to see Texas for the first time, perhaps there were just enough Redskins fans to boil the Cowboys’ blood.

But my, my, how the Cowboys landscape has changed.

Two reasons are obvious:

1. The Cowboys aren’t that good anymore. Other teams are better. Been that way for years.

2. The melting pot. The Metroplex is a prime draw for businesses and retirees, thus newcomers don’t feel the love for the Silver and Blue.

I’m still a Cowboys fan. I go to the game if I’m asked (thanks George!).

I have a blue Cowboys cap and a couple of Cowboys T-shirts. (Don’t have a jersey, but still looking for No. 74.)

I smile at the TV when they score. I yell at the TV when they get another penalty for not getting the dog-gone, cotton-pickin’ play off in time.

I’m happy when they win. I suffer when they lose, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE NFC EAST TITLE IS ON THE LINE AND DOUBLE ESPECIALLY IF THE LOSS IS TO THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS!!!!!!!!!!

I realize it’s only a game (sure!) and the Cowboys will one day return to glory.

Because fairy tales do come true.

editor@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 245

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