Ashy to Classy: A look at Cowboy history and other tidbits
Everybody has a story to tell. A rags to riches story. A "look-Ma-I’ve-made-it!" moment.
Toby Keith has one. So did Biggie. ‘Bout the only thing they have in common too.
Well, the Cowboys have one too. It started with an expansion draft of some pretty bad players. It started with three geniuses: Tom Landry, Tex Schramm and Gil Brandt. It started with hard work. And a little luck. How else do you explain turning Cornell Green, a talented college basketball player who didn’t play college football, into a Pro Bowl safety and cornerback?
The riveting look at Cowboys history is here.

I’ve got a question.
Did Akin Ayodele play all that bad?
There seems to be an awful lot of flirtation with Zach Thomas by the ‘Boys. Don’t get me wrong. I love Zach Thomas. He’s a fierce competitor. But Akin is younger, bigger and more suited for our defense. JJT at the DMN agrees. Key quote:
The Cowboys do not need Zach Thomas. If New England wants to sign him, so be it.
He used to be a terrific player – a high-energy, high-motor player who made more plays with desire and intelligence than athleticism.
But he's 34 now. He's 228 pounds or so, which makes him extremely undersized for an inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. And he's coming off a concussion that limited him to five games last season.

Seems like Javon Walker is looking for the closest exit in Denver and the Broncos are willing to oblige. So would the ‘Boys be interested? Here’s some speculation.
My take? Walker is a very good, Pro Bowl player when he’s healthy. But he hasn’t been healthy much. I sided with him when Brett Favre called him out. I was happy for him when Denver paid him. Now after ditching a pretty good situation (I would say catching passes from Brett Favre would qualify as one) and landing in a pristine situation with the Broncos, he’s ready to bail again because Brandon Marshall has emerged as a No. 1 receiver. Seems to me he’s good at two things: complaining and playing football when he’s healthy. He seems to do one more than the other. No thank you, but I’ll pass.

Quick story. I was in Miami in the summer of 2005, coming out of a club on South Beach. The club was filled with stars like Jamie Foxx and Caron Butler. As I exited the main entrance to walk on the strip, guess who I saw wearing a linen suit coming from this same club? Keyshawn Johnson. Immediately I wanted to yell, "Hey, dude! Shouldn’t you be preparing for Training Camp?" But Keyshawn is about 6-4, 210 pounds. That’s a big man. So I kept my criticisms to myself.
Well, Keyshawn is considering a comeback. Unretiring, if you will. Pulling a Vinny (Testaverde that is).
Do we need an old, slow, big mouth receiver who has a sordid history with our own old, fast, big mouth receiver? No.
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones finds the nicest way to say "when hell freezes over" in this quote:
"We have a player who is kind of like him in Patrick Crayton, and age is an issue. Plus, he's been out of football for a year, and it's not like (he got faster). Mother Nature doesn't work that way."
I got love for Keyshawn. He was a good receiver for us. He made big plays and made big catches. But the thrill is gone.
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11 comments
Comments
Um yeah
actually I thought Akin was pretty much non-existent this year. I believe he had zero sacks, picks, and fumbles recovered or forced. We need to either insert Kevin Burnett into the starting lineup or sign Zach Thomas.
by Rich on Feb 20, 2008 5:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ayodele doesn't stand out
I’ve got a question.
Did Akin Ayodele play all that bad?
He didn't play bad, but he hardly made plays also. I'm not sure his play is worth his salary at this point and it's escalating the reason I think he will be cut, probably after the 2008 season. His cap charge is 3.5 mil this season, 3.75 in 2009 and 4.25 in 2010 with a $500,000 roster bonus due.
This is the reason why I think either Carpenter or Burnett will replace him. We won't miss Ayodele if this happens. I think both those guys I mentioned would be an upgrade over Ayodele because of there pass coverage abilities.
by Cowboys81 on Feb 20, 2008 6:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Burnett NOW
We need to start playing this kid before he gets pissed off and leaves in UFA. You can bet Jeff Ireland/Bill Parcells or our old buddy Sean Payton in Nawlins will nab this guy up in a heartbeat if he gets to FA.
Burnett showed flashes of his high draft billing last year and I personally think he could have before if given the opportunity. He's a quick young player who has excelled in nickel and dime, and it's about time we made him a full-time player.
As for Ayodele ... meh. He's not a bad player, but not a good one. I'd rather roll the dice with Burnett than accept mediocrity from Akin.
by no1cowboysfan on Feb 20, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 I agree
by BoyzRback07 on Feb 20, 2008 10:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It would obviously be nice to see that
Burnett is a gifted athlete and beating out Ayodele would justify his high draft status.
Although I think Ayodele is a better player than you're giving him credit for. He's no pro bowler, but he's very solid and makes the plays he should make. I view him like I do Kosier, solid, dependable, but you'd always like to see him beaten out by a better player.
by Terry on Feb 21, 2008 7:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I second that thought.
If we could unseat or replace Roy Williams, Kosier, Hoyte, and Ayodele as starters, we'd be a drastically improved team.
by BoyzRback07 on Feb 21, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's nobody on the roster that can unseat Roy
unless you move Hamlin to SS and start Watkins, which I don't see the Cowboys doing.
If Roy is on the team, he's playing, bottom line.
by Terry on Feb 21, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
or sign NYG Gibril Wilson and cut Roy.
Although that would be great...your right.....
I assure you, Unless Roy transforms into the Roy of old, real quick...his days here are numbered.
Roy will play one more season here...then be cut the day after the Super Bowl '09.
by BoyzRback07 on Feb 21, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the Cowboys can't cut Roy this season
it would hurt our cap too much.
I agree that he must start playing better this season, or the Cowboys will cut him after the season, move Hamlin to SS and acquire a FS, unless Watkins really shows us something this season.
by Terry on Feb 21, 2008 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

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