“Are the Cowboys the most overhyped and overrated team in any professional sport?”
-Sam Kramer

Fantastic question, Sam, and the answer all hinges on what kind of hat I’m wearing. If I’m wearing my fanboy hat, then my answer is “you’re an asshole”; but if I’m wearing my objective reporter’s cap, then the easy answer is “maybe.”

I mean, it just takes a simple look at the stat sheet to see just how far removed the Cowboys are from their ’90s heyday: An 86-84 overall record in the last 10 years, only one playoff win in that span and only four trips to the postseason. Not exactly what you would expect from a team that’s supposed to compete for a Super Bowl every year.

If you were to ask me what the problem is in Dallas, however, look no further than team owner Jerry Jones. We all know Jerry Jones, in all of his flamboyant-ness, just loves flashing the three rings he’s won since being team owner. What he doesn’t love mentioning so much is just how long ago those rings were earned: ’92, ’93, and ’95. Now I know all dynasties are supposed to end at some point, but they’re at least supposed to get more than just one damn playoff win in that span.

Now I’ll give credit where credit is due and say that Jerry Jones is one of the most successful owners in NFL history when it comes to perpetuating the brand of his franchise. After all, the Cowboys are far and away the most monetarily successful franchises in the league. But success for fans isn’t measured in tickets sold, it’s measured in Super Bowl wins. Although the Cowboys have five (represent!), JJ is simply too controlling when it comes to everything from personnel decisions to draft choices and it translates to poor performance on the field.

Now while the Cowboys are possibly the most overrated franchise in the NFL, it’s tough to say if they’re the most overrated team in any sport. After all, Notre Dame, for all the championships they’ve won, have been absolutely miserable for the last 15 years or so, compiling a 107-78 record since 1997, and yet they still find a way to be ranked top 15 in the pre-season every damn year. Even worse, they’re 2-10 in their last 12 bowl games! How they continuously find themselves in the BCS discussion every year I’ll never know, but maybe if they just win, oh, I don’t know, at least one BCS game I’ll sing a different tune. Until then, however, I’ll stand by my assessment that Notre Dame football can certainly give the Cowboys a run for their money when it comes to being overrated.

Oh yeah, and let’s not forget about the New York Knicks. Seeing as how you fancy yourself an NY fan, I at least hope that one stung a little.

Brian Bogart