The NFC East showdown between these heated rivals did not start out the way the Cowboys had wanted. On the Cowboys first two possessions of the game they fumbled and the Redskins took full advantage of the recoveries.

It took only two plays on the Cowboys first possession before rookie Ron Springs fumbled at the Cowboys 34 yard line. The Redskins took over and drove to the Cowboys three yard line. On third and goal Larry Cole sacked Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann and forced the Redskins to kick a field goal by Mark Mosley for an early 3-0 lead.

On the Cowboys second possession they once again fumbled the ball away. This time it was Robert Newhouse who gave the ball to the Redskins on the Cowboys 45 yard line. The Redskins drove to the Cowboys one yard line, but this time Theismann made sure there would be no field goal attempt as he scored himself, giving the Redskins a 10-0 lead.

With the Redskins leading 10-0 going into the second quarter and the Cowboys offense showing no signs of life, the Redskins offense went back to work with an 80 yard, 7 play drive. They finished the drive when Theismann connected with running back Benny Malone who eluded a tackle by D.D. Lewis. Malone raced down the right sideline for a 55 yard touchdown giving the Redskins a commanding 17-0 lead.

The Cowboys offense seemed to wake up on their next possession. They put together a 13 play, 70 yard drive. From the Redskins one yard line it was Ron Springs who would make up for his earlier fumble as he scored the Cowboys first touchdown of the game. The Redskins were now leading 17-7 with a little more then four minutes left in the first half.

With only 1:48 left in the first half the Cowboys got the ball back on their own 15 yard line. Staubach went to work as he connected with Tony Hill three times and Drew Pearson once to get to the Redskins 26 yard line. With only nine seconds remaining Staubach connected with Preston Pearson for the touchdown as Pearson made a diving catch in the end zone. The Cowboys had fought their way back into the game with two second quarter touchdowns. They went into the half down 17-14.

In the third quarter the Cowboys defense shutdown the Redskins offense. The Cowboys offense took advantage and scored the only touchdown of the quarter, which gave them their first lead of the game. After a short Redskins punt the Cowboys took over at their own 48 yard line. They needed only nine plays, which included a Butch Johnson reverse that gained 13 yards. Preston Pearson took a short pass from Staubach and got the Cowboys to the two yard line. Like Ron Springs in the first half, it was now Newhouse’s turn to make up for his earlier fumble. He scored from the two yard line, giving the Cowboys a 21-17 lead.

Early in the fourth quarter the Redskins drove to the Cowboys 7 yard line where they would have to settle for a Mark Mosley 24 yard field goal. That made the score 21-20 Cowboys.

Staubach threw his only interception of the game when he went deep over the middle from his own 13 yard line where there was no receiver in sight. Redskins safety Mark Murphy came down with the ball and returned it down to the Cowboys 25 yard line. On the Redskins first play Theismann threw into the end zone for receiver Ricky Thompson. Cowboys safety Cliff Harris bumped Thompson and was called for pass interference. The penalty placed the ball at the Cowboys one yard line where John Riggins scored to give the lead back to the Redskins, 27-21.

With less than seven minutes to play in the game, it was Riggins who seemed to put the game out of reach for the Cowboys.  Riggins broke to the outside at his own 34 yard line as he outran Cowboys linebacker Mike Hegman and then broke a tackle by Cliff Harris. Riggins then raced away from Cowboys cornerback Dennis Thurman down the right sideline and scored from 66 yards for a 34-21 Redskins lead.

With 3:49 left in the game, Randy White recovered a Redskins fumble. Roger Staubach only needed three plays to get the Cowboys closer as he connected with Ron Springs for a 26 yard touchdown. Springs caught the pass at the five yard line and dragged Redskins cornerback Ray Waddy into the end zone. The Redskins still had a 34-28 lead with 2:20 left in the game.

With time running out and the Redskins facing a third and one, veteran Larry Cole threw Riggins for a two yard loss and forced the Redskins to punt.

The Cowboys stood 75 yards away from an NFC Eastern Division title. Roger Staubach went back to work like he had done so many times in his career. He drove the Cowboys in only seven plays. During the drive he connected with Tony Hill for 20 yards, then to Preston Pearson for 22 yards. With 1:01 left in the game Staubach went back to Preston Pearson for a 25 yard gain to the Redskins 8 yard line. From there Staubach lofted a pass into the end zone that Tony Hill came down with.

The Cowboys won the game 35-34 over the Redskins and also won their 11th Eastern title in the teams 20 year history. The win also gave the Cowboys a week off and home field advantage in the playoffs. With the win it also knocked the Redskins out of the playoffs

Roger Staubach finished the game with 336 yards passing and three touchdown passes. It was also the 21st time he guided the Cowboys to a fourth quarter win and the 14th time he turned defeat into victory for the Cowboys in the final two minutes of a game.

Tony Hill led all receivers with eight receptions for 113 yards and the game winning touchdown. Preston Pearson followed Hill with five receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. Rookie Ron Springs who started in place of the injured Tony Dorsett, rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown. He also added 58 receiving yards with one touchdown.

“What can I say about him?” asked Tom Landry. “Roger is simply super in these kinds of situations. He’s done it before and knows he can do it.”

You can see the games box score here.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912160dal.htm

Video of Larry Cole’s third down stop of John Riggins last in fourth quarter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLqUYWmsCug&feature=related

Video of some plays from winning Cowboys drive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs1saZ6tgCk

Sam Hurd has been a big part of the Cowboys special teams over the last few years. But with Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Kevin Ogletree and rookie Dez Bryant ahead of him, Hurd is not likely to get any playing time at receiver.

From the opening kickoff the Cowboys looked tired and slow. At least that is what I’m hoping it was because if they weren’t and the Texans were as fast and explosive as they looked, then the Cowboys are in trouble. The offensive line could not handle any blitzes the Texans threw at them. It was total domination for the entire first half by the Texans. The running game was non existent for the Cowboys. Through three quarters they had a total of nine yards rushing. Even though Tony Romo’s numbers looked good, he had almost no time to get anything going. The entire offense never was able to get into a rhythm. Before the end of the third quarter the Cowboys offense had used up all three of their second half time-outs.

The defense was not much better as the Texans offense did what they wanted most of the night. Receivers were left open and their running game shredded the Cowboys defense, as Adrian Foster rushed for 110 yards before the third quarter was over. The Cowboys defense always seemed a step behind the Texans offense. Even when DeMarcus Ware stepped up and made a play by stripping the ball from Matt Schaub and then recovering the fumble, the Cowboys were called for a defensive penalty giving the Texans a first and goal, which they converted into a touchdown on the next play.

Tony Romo as well as Wade Phillips showed how unhappy they were during the game. It could be seen in Phillips face and it could be heard from Romo during a sideline interview. As a fan I don’t concern myself with wins during the preseason, but I do concern myself with performance. The Cowboys on offense and defense did not perform well against the Texans.

While writing the post and continuing to watch the game, the Cowboys finally found the end zone with a John Kitna to Kevin Ogletree 24 yard touchdown pass. There is now two weeks until opening day in Washington. This team needs to be ready and focused. I don’t have any doubt they will be, but tonight was very disturbing for a third preseason game.

What I wanted to write about was a few players that I have been watching this preseason. I’m not going to throw a much of stats into my post or breakdown their positions. I’m just going to write about my gut feelings about a couple of players.

Victor Butler, Going back to late last season there seems to be something special about him. And that has continued into this preseason. Almost like he has opened his eyes and is ready for that next level. Similar to Anthony Spencer who came on strong last season. With Butler he always seems to be around the ball and that includes being in the backfield for the big play. I like what I’m seeing from Butler and have no problem with him in the game when Ware or Spencer need a break.

Sean Lee, I will be the first to admit that I looked at my television funny on draft day when the Cowboys traded up to select Sean Lee. I watched the Cowboys war room as they were all excited about Lee being part of the Cowboys. Against the Chargers I saw a player that still needs a lot of work. but who better to learn from than Keith Brooking and Bradie James. I also see a player who knows how to blow up a play. He explodes to the ball and makes the play. I get the feeling that when he was on the field against the Chargers that he felt like he really belonged out there and wants to prove that. With Lee I think the Cowboys have the full package and as the season moves on he will continue to get better and stronger at his position.

Cletis Gordon, There is just something about this player. He is a veteran and he is hungry to prove himself. It amazes me that he is only talked about as the fourth cornerback in a Cowboys training camp where the word has been competition from day one. I think he should be talked about as someone who is challenging for the third cornerback spot. I’m not a huge fan of Orlando Scandrick. Maybe it’s because he seems to be beat a lot and his tackling isn’t the greatest. That’s my opinion of course. I like Gordon as the third cornerback on the Cowboys and I think he should have the opportunity to beat out Scandrick.

Barry Church, He did very well in replacing Gerald Sensabaugh against the Chargers. No, I don’t believe he should replace Sensabaugh, but when it comes to depth on the team, I like what Church brings to the table. He is a big,  physical safety and he will also add to the strength of the special teams.

Danny McCray, He could make the team because of his special teams play just like Bill Bates in 1983. Coincidence that McCray is also wearing Bates’ old number 40? He seems to be unblockable on special teams and is always around to make the tackle or assist with it. I would like to see what he can do at the safety position in the final two preseason games.

So those are just some of my thoughts on a few players. No stats, numbers or analyzing their play. Just my gut feelings on a few players that just might start making a name for themselves as the season moves forward.

Everson Walls was born on December 28, 1959 in Dallas, Texas. He was raised by his mother in north Dallas just two miles from the Cowboys practice facility. Walls attended Lloyd V. Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. He didn’t start playing football until his senior year and ended up leading the division in interceptions.

After graduating high school in 1977, Everson Walls enrolled at Grambling State University. He was invited to training camp by an assistant football coach and impressed the legendary head coach of Grambling, Eddie Robinson. Walls impressed Robinson so much that he received a full football scholarship and did not disappoint. Some of Walls accomplishments while playing at Grambling were being selected to the Kodak 1AA All-American team, the Black College All-American team and during his senior season he led the nation in interceptions. Walls gives credit to coach Eddie Robinson for helping him mature as a human being.

     In the spring of 1981 Everson Walls attended Cowboys training camp as a free agent. He was signed as a free agent and just like at Grambling State, he did not disappoint. In 1981, Walls led the NFL in interceptions with 11 as well as earning a Pro Bowl invitation as he helped lead the Cowboys to the NFC Championship game against the 49ers. Walls had seven tackles, three deflected passes, one fumble recovery and two interceptions in the game. But even though he a great game for the Cowboys, it would be one play that Walls would have his name attached to for the rest of his career. That play  would be “The Catch” by Dwight Clark as Walls was covering him that has gone down in NFL history. The play also made the cover of Sports Illustrated.   

Everson Walls never let the Dwight Clark play affect his play on the field. He went on to lead the NFL in interceptions again with seven in the strike shortened 1982 season, as well as nine in 1985. He also earned three more Pro Bowl honors in 1982, 1983 and 1985. He was named first team All-Pro in 1983 and second team All-Pro in 1982 and 1985. In 1986 Walls was the youngest player named to the Cowboys 25^th Anniversary Team and in 1987 was named Cowboys Man of the Year. Walls was part of the Cowboys secondary led by cornerback Dennis Thurman and they became known as Thurman’s Thieves. Others who made up that group were Ron Fellows, Michael Downs, Bill Bates, Ricky Easmon, Victor Scott, and Dextor Clinkscale.

After playing for the Cowboys from 1981 to 1989, Walls then signed with the NY Giants in 1990. Playing safety for the first time in his career, Walls led the Giants with six interceptions. The Giants posted a 13-3 record in 1990 and went on to beat the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV. Once again Everson Walls would make the cover of Sports Illustrated, but this time as a world champion. 

The Cleveland Browns would be where Everson Walls finished his NFL career. He played for the Browns during the 1992 and 1993 seasons before retiring. With Walls leaving the NFL, he also left behind some records. He is the only player to lead the NFL in interceptions three different times. He also led the Cowboys in interceptions a record five times. He holds the record for Pro Bowl interceptions with four. Walls is 10^th all-time on the career interception list with 57. How does Walls match up to other Hall of Fame defensive players when it comes to interceptions?

Mel Renfro, 52

Willie Brown, 54

Darrell Green, 54

Lem Barney, 56

Mel Blount, 57                                                                                  

     Some other honors given to Everson Walls after retiring in 1993 were being named to the All-Time Cowboys Team. Being named to the NFL’s All Decade team for the 1980’s and in 1998 Walls was elected to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

As a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Everson Walls became close friends with running back Ron Springs. That friendship grew as both moved on with their NFL careers and onto life after football. In 2006 as Springs was suffering through diabetes and needing a kidney transplant, it was Walls who stepped up and offered one of his kidneys to Springs after finding out he was a match. In March of 2007, the surgery was done successfully giving Springs a new lease on life. Walls wrote a book titled “A Gift for Ron”, which tells of his experiences on and off the field and his decision to help Ron Springs. Walls and Springs have also started a foundation called “Gift For Life Foundation”. The site is to spread awareness about organ donation. You can find more information here. www.giftforlifefoundation.org    

Everson Walls and his wife Shreill Walls have two children and still reside in the Dallas area.

Despite Everson Walls outstanding career which includes multiple honors and records, he still remains on the outside of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Walls was a preliminary nominee for the Class of 2006, but has not reached the list for semi finalists. Is it because of Dwight Clarks catch in the 1981 NFC Championship game that is keeping Everson Walls out of the Hall of Fame? I would hope not because his NFL career speaks for itself. As a fan growing up watching Walls play I would like to think someday soon he will get serious consideration for what he truly deserves, which is a place in Canton, Ohio next to the other greats of the NFL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIp4x9r_5g4

Wilford Daniel White was born on February 9, 1952 in Mesa Arizona. He graduated from Mesa Westwood High School and then moved on to Arizona State University where he played quarterback and was also the team’s punter. In 1973 Danny White was an All-American with the Sun Devils. For his college career White threw for 6,717 yards, 64 TDs and 42 INTs. White was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the State of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and the Arizona State University Hall of Fame. In 2000 Danny White was named Arizona Athlete of the Century by the Arizona Republic.

Danny White was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1974 NFL Draft. White decided to give the World Football League (WFL) a try and played there in 1974 and 1975 for the Memphis Southmen.

In 1976 Danny White joined the Dallas Cowboys. He served primarily as Roger Staubach’s backup and also as the Cowboys punter. He would remain the Cowboys punter through the 1983 season. White was also a member of the Cowboys Super Bowl XII Championship team in 1977. Roger Staubach announced his retirement after the 1979 season and it opened the door for Danny White to become the starter.

  In 1980 Danny White became the starter for the Cowboys and led them to a 12-4 record, but the Cowboys came in second place to the Philadelphia Eagles. White also broke the Cowboys single season touchdown record by throwing 29 touchdown passes in 1980. 

Danny White led the Cowboys to a Wildcard playoff win against the Rams, 34-13. In the second round playoff game in Atlanta, White led a Staubach like comeback and beat the Falcons 30-27. With the Cowboys losing 27-17 with time running out, it was White who led the Cowboys to two touchdowns and won the game. The game was voted one of the top ten Cowboys games of all time by the fans. In the NFC Championship game the Eagles put an end to the Cowboys Super Bowl dreams as they won easily, 20-7. No fault should go to Danny White for the loss to the Eagles. The Eagles defense simply shutdown everything the Cowboys attempted to do on offense. Also, the Cowboys defense gave up 194 rushing yards to Wilbert Montgomery to go along with his 42 yard touchdown run.

Danny White once again led the Cowboys back to the NFC Championship game in 1981. In one of the most famous Championship games ever played, the Cowboys lost to the 49ers 28-27. Again, no blame should be placed on Danny White as he played an incredible game as he led the Cowboys to a 27-21 lead with a little more than four minutes to play.

In a strike shortened 1982 season White led the Cowboys to a 6-3 record and earned his only Pro Bowl honor. He also led the Cowboys back to the NFC Championship game for the third straight season. This time the Cowboys traveled to Washington where they would once again lose. White would not have the chance to finish the game as Dexter Manley came free through the middle of the line and planted White into the RFK Stadium grass. White suffered a concussion and was lost for the entire second half. The Redskins went on to beat the Cowboys 31-17.

With White being knocked out of the 1982 Championship game, it opened the door for backup quarterback Gary Hogeboom to play. Hogeboom threw two touchdown passes against the Redskins, but it was his second of two interceptions in the fourth quarter that sealed the Cowboys fate. There were stories about how White might be replaced as the starting quarterback by Hogeboom, but White remained the starter for the 1983 season. Danny White led the Cowboys to another 12-4 record in 1983, but lost to the Rams in the Wildcard round at home.

   Tom Landry made the difficult decision in 1984 to replace Danny White as the Cowboys starter and handed the job to Gary Hogeboom. The Cowboys started 4-1, but after ineffective play by Hogeboom, Landry handed the job back to Danny White. The Cowboys missed the playoffs in 1984, but returned in 1985 as Danny White was once again the opening day starter. Once again the Cowboys came up short in the playoffs as they lost to the Rams again.

In 1986 the Cowboys opened the season with a 6-2 record and had the best offense in the NFL with Danny White at quarterback. During an away game against the NY Giants, White was slammed to the ground by Giants linebacker Carl Banks and White broke his throwing wrist. The injury ended White’s season and the Cowboys ended the 1986 season with a 7-9 record, which was their first losing season since 1965.

Danny White would come back from his wrist injury in 1987, but would battle quarterback Steve Pelluer for the starting job throughout the season.  The quarterback battle would continue into the 1988 season. The Cowboys missed the playoffs in both 1987 and 1988. When Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys in 1989, the option on Danny White’s contract was not picked up and White decided to retire from the NFL. 

Danny White ended his NFL career with 21,959 yards (3^rd on Cowboys all-time list), 155 touchdowns (2^nd on Cowboys all-time list) and 132 interceptions (also 2^nd on Cowboys all-time list). His punting average with the Cowboys was 40.4 yards per punt. His record as the Cowboys quarterback was 62-32.

Danny White became the head coach of the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena League in 1992. He remained the head coach until 2004. While with the Rattlers he won the league championship twice in 1994 and 1997. He also led the Rattlers to three other championship games in 2002, 2003 and 2004 where he would lose. He was named coach of the year in 1993.

After leaving the Rattlers he became the head coach of the expansion Utah Blaze in 2006. He led the Blaze to the playoffs all three seasons he was with the team. White’s overall Arena League coaching record is 162-93, with a postseason record of 20-13. He was inducted into the Arena League Hall of Fame in 2002.

Danny White and his wife JoLynn have four children. They also have eight grandchildren.

Danny White deserves so much more credit then he gets for his career with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a leader for the team and made the team better when he was the starter. Following a legend like Roger Staubach must have been a hard thing for Danny White.  Even coach Tom Landry once said…

“I don’t think anybody could have followed Roger and done as well as Danny”

“Danny is a solid Winner”

The Cowboys first team offense is like a machine. They drive the ball up and down the field. I understand that they have not produced a touchdown yet through two games, but it’s not something I’m worried about. This offense will score touchdowns. They are too talented and have too many weapons.

Against the Bengals in the Hall of Fame game the first team offense produced a field goal by new kicker David Buehler on their first drive. The drive was 14 plays gaining 63 yards. Against the Raiders the first drive also produced a Buehler field goal on a 12 play, 45 yard drive.

Hopefully by the next game against the Chargers the first team offense can be on the field for at least the first half to see what they can do.

Kevin Ogletree

Last preseason Kevin Ogletree made a name for himself in a good way. This preseason he has been dropping a lot of passes. With Dez Bryant out with an injury it was a golden opportunity for Ogletree to show he still belonged. As reported by the Dallas Morning news, when the offense went to four wide receivers in the morning practice yesterday Ogletree was not one of the four. In the loss to the Raiders Ogletree caught one pass for eight yards and dropped two others. One of the drops was on a 3rd and 2 from the Raiders 9 yard line. The play could have produced a first and goal from inside the five yard line.

“He’s a good football player,” Sherman said. “We’ve got to keep bringing him along, keep working with him where he can be consistent.”

I still think Olgetee is a good receiver that can help the Cowboys in many different ways. I hope the Cowboys can help him get through whatever he is going through.

Dez Bryant

After wearing a protective boot on his right ankle for two weeks, yesterday it was removed so that Bryant could start his rehabilitation program. It is still doubtful that he will play in the last three preseason games. It has been reported that since the injury occurred, Bryant has been in good spirits and focused in team meetings and watching game films. Wade Phillips is hopeful that Bryant will be ready for the season opener in Washington on Sept. 12th.

David Buehler

With no competition in game this preseason David Buehler still knows the pressure is on to produce as the Cowboys new field goal kicker. Through two games Buehler is 6 of 7 on his field goals. His one miss was from 49 yards.

“I feel like I’ve transitioned night and day from where I was last year,” Buehler said. “I wasn’t that confident in my field goals and was kind of all over the place.”

“Now, I’m consistent and getting in a nice little groove and my confidence is more than it’s ever been right now.”

I would like to see Buehler start hitting from longer distances in game situations. His six field goals were from 20, 34 , 23, 42, 27 and 28 yards out. Special Teams coach Joe DeCamillis is also looking for more as the preseason moves on.

“I think you’ve got to go through the rest of the preseason,” DeCamillis said. “We’ve played two games. He’s just like everybody else on the roster. It’s a young player and we’re going to evaluate him all the way up until it’s time to make a decision. That’s the way you’ve got to handle it, in my opinion.”

With Buehler’s confidence building with his field goal kicking, it has been lost as far as his kickoffs. Buehler led the lead in touchbacks in 2009 and plans to keep it going in 2010.

“My goal is to lead the NFL again and beat my mark of 29,” Buehler said. “The way I’m hitting the ball these days, I should blow that out of the water.”

Martellus Bennett

Any chances of Martellus Bennett playing in his first preseason game against the Chargers ended with a setback from his sprained ankle this week. Wade Phillips does not believe he will be cleared to play next week.

“I don’t think he’ll play this game,” Phillips said. “I think he’ll play the next two games for sure, but I don’t know about this one.”

Newly signed tight end DajLeon Farr got his first action with the Cowboys against the Raiders and caught one pass for 18 yards.

Montrae Holland

Montrae Holland returned to practice Sunday after being out with a hamstring strain. He hopes to play in the next game in San Diego. The Cowboys plan for Holland is for him to backup both guard spots.

“I want to get out there,” Holland said. “I’ve been out for too long as it is.”

The next game for the Cowboys is Saturday night in San Diego at 9pm est.

I also wanted to share this new shirt I found yesterday that I thought was really nice with all the Cowboys helmets through their 50 years.

Emmitt Smith stood at the podium as the crowd gave him a long standing ovation. Then Emmitt Smith did what he had done his entire career. He showed class as he thanked everyone that got him to the Hall of Fame. It wasn’t about him at all on his night. He thanked the Cowboys organization, his coaches, his teammates, his family and the fans all around the world.

It’s been a long five years since Emmitt Smith retired from the NFL. Watching Emmitt Smith on that stage was one of my greatest moments since becoming a Dallas Cowboys fan. He made us fans proud when he played the game and he continued to make us proud as he gave his speech. Including the fans in his speech was a fantastic thing to hear from him. The smile on my face was from ear to ear. 

When Emmitt Smith broke the All-Time rushing record in 2002 the thing that always stood out to me was the special moment that he shared with Daryl Johnston. It was a touching moment as Emmitt Smith broke down and thanked Daryl Johnston for everything he had done for him. Then tonight as Emmitt Smith was thanking Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin the crowd started to chant “Moose”. Then once again like in 2002 the tears started to flow on the face of Emmitt Smith. He asked Daryl Johnston to stand and thanked him from the bottom of his heart for everything he had done for him. It brought tears to my eyes in 2002 and it brought tears to my eyes tonight.

2002 video with Daryl Johnston

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV9KShXrxT8&feature=related

Hall of Fame speech with Daryl Johnston

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame10/news/story?id=5445640

Emmitt Smith is now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Right  where he belongs because of the kind of player he was and also because of the kind of person he is. He made the night about everyone around him and not about himself. I am so  proud to be able to say that I watched his entire career and loved every minute of it. I’m also proud to say that I had the pleasure of meeting Emmitt Smith back in 1993 and 1994. He signed my Emmitt Smith jersey not once, but twice for me and it will always be my most prized possession. Congratulations Emmitt Smith and thank you for being such a class act. You are most deserving of your place in Canton.

Emmitt Smith’s Hall of Fame Speech transcript from Espn.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/25708/emmitt-smith-hall-of-fame-speech

I believe Favre said the same thing last season during training camp and a few days later he was on a plane to the Vikings complex. Could this all be true? Could Brett Favre finally be retiring? Or is this just the official start to “Favre Watch 2010″?

If this is true, then the Vikings just took a major nose dive in the preseason rankings in my opinion. The other quarterbacks on the Vikings roster are Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels.

Antonio Bryant was drafted by the Cowboys back in 2002 in the second round. He played wide receiver for the Cowboys during the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He also played the first five games for the Cowboys in 2004.

Tank Johnson played for the Cowboys in 2007 and 2008 before being released after the 2008 season.

Adam “Pacman” Jones played for the Cowboys in 2008 and then was released after the season.

Roy Williams was drafted by the Cowboys back in 2002 in the first round. He played seven seasons for the Cowboys before being released after the 2008 season.

Mike Mickens was drafted by the Cowboys in 2009 in the seventh round. He was released before the 2009 season started.

Dennis Roland was signed by the Cowboys back in 2006 as a free agent offensive tackle and then released before the season.

Mike Zimmer was with the Cowboys from 1994-2006. During his time with the Cowboys served as an assistant coach for the nickel defense, defensive backs coach and then defensive coordinator.

It will be somewhat of a mini family reunion when both teams take the field for the Hall of Fame game. As far as playing against each other, I doubt there will be much of that in this game. The starters usually play a series or two and then take the rest of the night off.

In other news…

Injuries

With the start of training camp also come a few injuries. None of which seem very serious.

Felix Jones has been suffering from some swelling in one of his knees. He was held out of the morning practice on Tuesday, but decided he felt good enough to play in the afternoon practice. The team will of course continue to monitor Jones.

Jason Hatcher missed Tuesday’s practice with a hyper-extended elbow. He is expected to miss Wednesday’s practice as well.

Sean Lee also missed Tuesday’s practice with a strained quadriceps muscle. He is also expected to miss Wednesday’s practice.

Martellus Bennett missed his fifth day of practice with a sprained ankle. The Cowboys are unsure when he will return.

Camps first fight

The first fight of training camp broke out between Bradie James and Deon Anderson.

“That’s how you know you’re in two-a-days,” James said.” It’s official when you have that first skirmish. You get the red eye and you just want to go blast somebody. It kills the monotony of practice.”

“I got a little enthusiastic out there,” Anderson said.

The fight was short and both James and Anderson were seen laughing about it afterwards.

Kosier at center

Kyle Kosier took some snaps at center this week. The plan for the Cowboys is for Kosier to backup starting center Andre Gurode. This way the Cowboys can go into games with seven offensive linemen with Montrae Holland and Alex Barron as the backups for guard and tackle.

“It’s definitely different, especially with our defense,” Kosier said. “We’re playing the 3-4 so you’ve got a guy right over you and you’ve got to snap the ball and get the guy and he’s right in his face.”

“Once I get out there in some game situations I think it’ll be fine,” said Kosier

More on Dez

As the media continues to talk about Dez Bryant refusing to carry Roy William’s shoulder pads, it was Bryant telling them exactly what he was thinking on Tuesday.

“You’re trying to turn us against each but it’s not going to happen.”

“No, I didn’t know nothing about no tradition,” Bryant said.” The only thing that bothers me is when I try to do something right, you all (media) try to turn it negative. I don’t feel like that’s right.”

“I’m trying my best to do the right thing. But it seems like I can’t do the right thing because every little thing that I do, you all watch it and try to make a huge deal out of it.”

“It was never an issue. The media made it an issue. It was never nothing.”

“We are fine,” Bryant said.” In fact, it’s not even a situation. Me and Roy are great. Not only me and Roy, but the whole team.”

As Bryant was expressing his feelings towards the media he was signing autographs for fans. The fans then started chanting at the media…

“leave him alone”