Well, as many people have figured out by now, the Cowboys have returned to the prominence they once had under the Roger Staubach led teams of the seventies. Led by an offense that includes at least one Pro-Bowler at each position, this Cowboy team may prove to be a Dynasty, even in this era of free-agency. The three big names, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and 1993 NFL and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP Emmitt Smith are all signed to long contracts that they could not break with a back hoe. However, one key name seems to be surfacing in the media about moving along to another franchise.
That name belongs to Jimmy Johnson. After losing Defensive Coordinator Dave Wanstadt to the Chicago Bears last year and the impending loss of the Offensive Boss, Norv Turner, to the Washington Redskins within the next few weeks, the Cowboys could never stand to lose their main man, Johnson. The rumors have Johnson going to the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars for their inaugural season. Johnson, reportedly, wants total control of the team, including the General Manager's position, something Jones will not give up. In addition, the media has reported that Johnson feels that since he built the Cowboys from a 1-15 team to a two time Super Bowl Champ in the space of five years he can certainly do so with another team. Somehow, I just do not think this is so.
The Cowboys stood in a unique position when Johnson took over the reigns from Tom Landry five years ago. They were an essentially solid franchise that just did not produce. They also had a blue chip player on the trading block. Jones somehow pulled off a blockbuster, one-sided deal with the Minnesota Vikings in which the Cowboys dealt Herschel Walker for a plethora of draft picks, including a couple first rounders. That one trade set up the foundation of the team that took the field weekly this year. In addition, Jones and Johnson did an excellent job drafting players like Irvin, Smith, Alvin Harper, Darryl "Moose" Johnston, Ken Norton Jr., and the persevering Leon "The Big Cat" Lett. Lett's story is truly amazing. Johnson saw him run the full length of a basketball court and dunk. Among hearing that he was a Defensive Lineman, Johnson had two words to say, "Sign Him."
Could he do stuff like this in Jacksonville? Maybe, but the odds are not that good. Many doubt that he could work the same miracle twice. Quarterbacks like Aikman, Running backs like Smith, and Wide Receivers like Irvin do not come along all that often, especially not together like they are in Dallas. Anyway, Jones has Johnson inked for five more years in Dallas. He has come out and stated that he intends to hold Johnson to the deal. By the time it is over, the Dynasty probably will be too. And then, the JJ's will probably split.