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How 'Bout Them Cowboys?: Inside the Huddle with the Stars and Legends of America's Team
Welcome to Jerryworld and an all-access pass to the most valuable sports franchise on the planet, the Dallas Cowboys.
Many books have been written about the Cowboys, but there's never been an account like this one. How 'Bout Them Cowboys tells the story of the NFL's most successful franchise, with special access to its outspoken owner, Jerry Jones, his sons Stephen and Jerry Jr., daughter Charlotte, and dozens of interviews of current and former players and coaches, and characters from across Cowboy Nation. While tracking the successes and controversies of some of the biggest names in the NFL on and off the field, How 'Bout Them Cowboys? remembers the legends of previous generations, and explains why the star on the helmet has become iconic, and how a little expansion team from North Texas has evolved into a global $5 billion brand.
Primed for their make-or-break 2018 season, How 'Bout Them Cowboys? delivers a fun and surprising account of America's Team, its greatest celebrities, its mercurial management, the vicious rivalries, and the enduring saga that makes this the most popular and polarizing team in sports.
Many books have been written about the Cowboys, but there's never been an account like this one. How 'Bout Them Cowboys tells the story of the NFL's most successful franchise, with special access to its outspoken owner, Jerry Jones, his sons Stephen and Jerry Jr., daughter Charlotte, and dozens of interviews of current and former players and coaches, and characters from across Cowboy Nation. While tracking the successes and controversies of some of the biggest names in the NFL on and off the field, How 'Bout Them Cowboys? remembers the legends of previous generations, and explains why the star on the helmet has become iconic, and how a little expansion team from North Texas has evolved into a global $5 billion brand.
Primed for their make-or-break 2018 season, How 'Bout Them Cowboys? delivers a fun and surprising account of America's Team, its greatest celebrities, its mercurial management, the vicious rivalries, and the enduring saga that makes this the most popular and polarizing team in sports.
- GenresSportsFootballNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
7 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Gary Myers
41 books39 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 26, 2018
Love them or hate them, anyone who knows anything about professional football knows about the Dallas Cowboys and their colorful, successful history. This is especially true since Jerry Jones purchased the team in 1989 and immediately fired the only coach the team had to that point, Tom Landry. This book by Gary Myers takes the reader inside world of Jones at various times through his ownership of the team.
The reader will learn much about what makes the owner tick. There is an extensive section about what really happened to the “friendship” between Jones and head coach Jimmy Johnson. Myers explains why Jones fired Landry and yet made the legendary coach one of the first inductees into the Cowboys’ Hall of Fame. The extent of Jones’ reach into the football operations of the team after Johnson left is illustrated in a section about what happened in the draft war room of the team when Jones’ son Stephen and the rest of the Cowboys staff did NOT want to draft quarterback Johnny Manziel when Jerry was absolutely certain that the Cowboys would take the talented but troubled quarterback from Texas A&M.
This is not to say that the book is only about Jerry Jones, although at times the book does read like it should be a biography of the owner. There are some passages that are about other times and people important to the history of the franchise. There is a very touching chapter on life after football for five star players for Dallas from the 1970’s and 1980’s – Tony Dorsett, Ron Springs, Robert Newhouse, Dennis Thurman and Everson Walls. The story of their friendships and health issues was powerful reading and it was my favorite section of the book.
However, the placement of this chapter and other sections that didn’t center on Jerry Jones seemed puzzling – it was like the book was supposed to be all about Jones, then it was realized that there had to be material on other aspects of the history of the franchise, so they were stuck in wherever they might fit. This gave the book a disjointed feel, which was a shame because the material and stories, whether on Jones or others, was excellent and informative. There was even some humor in the book. This line about how Bill Parcells became interested in coaching the Cowboys was very funny – “Parcells and Jones have different recollections of who played matchmaker, although they agree it was not Yente from ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ “
As a football fan who falls into the “hate them” category mentioned at the beginning of this review, I still found the information in the book excellent, but as a great read, it fell a little short. While this book would certainly be of interest to Cowboys fans, anyone who is interested in Jerry Jones of the history of the Dallas Cowboys would also enjoy this.
I wish to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: Actual rating is 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to four for this site
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
The reader will learn much about what makes the owner tick. There is an extensive section about what really happened to the “friendship” between Jones and head coach Jimmy Johnson. Myers explains why Jones fired Landry and yet made the legendary coach one of the first inductees into the Cowboys’ Hall of Fame. The extent of Jones’ reach into the football operations of the team after Johnson left is illustrated in a section about what happened in the draft war room of the team when Jones’ son Stephen and the rest of the Cowboys staff did NOT want to draft quarterback Johnny Manziel when Jerry was absolutely certain that the Cowboys would take the talented but troubled quarterback from Texas A&M.
This is not to say that the book is only about Jerry Jones, although at times the book does read like it should be a biography of the owner. There are some passages that are about other times and people important to the history of the franchise. There is a very touching chapter on life after football for five star players for Dallas from the 1970’s and 1980’s – Tony Dorsett, Ron Springs, Robert Newhouse, Dennis Thurman and Everson Walls. The story of their friendships and health issues was powerful reading and it was my favorite section of the book.
However, the placement of this chapter and other sections that didn’t center on Jerry Jones seemed puzzling – it was like the book was supposed to be all about Jones, then it was realized that there had to be material on other aspects of the history of the franchise, so they were stuck in wherever they might fit. This gave the book a disjointed feel, which was a shame because the material and stories, whether on Jones or others, was excellent and informative. There was even some humor in the book. This line about how Bill Parcells became interested in coaching the Cowboys was very funny – “Parcells and Jones have different recollections of who played matchmaker, although they agree it was not Yente from ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ “
As a football fan who falls into the “hate them” category mentioned at the beginning of this review, I still found the information in the book excellent, but as a great read, it fell a little short. While this book would certainly be of interest to Cowboys fans, anyone who is interested in Jerry Jones of the history of the Dallas Cowboys would also enjoy this.
I wish to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: Actual rating is 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to four for this site
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
October 19, 2018
Ok, I'm not the target audience for this book. I'm not a Cowboy fan and I'm only a casual football fan. The only reason why I read this book was because I saw it on a Goodreads giveaway and figured, "Why not, I live in Houston, I should know more about the Cowboys."
Well, when I read a book I look at three principle criteria:
1. How well written is it?
This is an easy read. It is definitely written for the general public.
While the book is easy to read, it wasn't an inspired read. The book read almost too matter-of-factly. The section of the book that I won't forget was when Myers talks about the Kaepernick/Kneeling controversy. This controversy is one of the most divisive issues in Football over the past 2+ years. Myers spent a good number of pages talking about the background---specifically on Trump's involvement and history with Football.
The section was interesting, BUT it really didn't provide any insight or shockers. I think the most rabid people on both sides of the issue could have read the section and not felt a twinge of emotion. There were no anonymous quotes from the players, no discussion of distension in the ranks, no discussion on how to handle the discussion by the Jones/Coaches/Players. Nothing, just a flat retelling of events.
2. How interesting is the subject?
It is "America's Team." The subject isn't really my cup of tea, but the Cowboys are a definite market and have widespread appeal. Heck, *I* signed up for the Giveaway and read the book.
3. Does the book offer novel insight into the subject or is it just regurgitating already known facts?
I have a strong feeling that the target audience for this book is going to be disappointed. While there are some interesting stories in the book, I do not feel as if it offered much new. Most of my knowledge about the Cowboys comes from listening to ESPN on my commute to/from the bus, but I knew many of the stories.
Well, when I read a book I look at three principle criteria:
1. How well written is it?
This is an easy read. It is definitely written for the general public.
While the book is easy to read, it wasn't an inspired read. The book read almost too matter-of-factly. The section of the book that I won't forget was when Myers talks about the Kaepernick/Kneeling controversy. This controversy is one of the most divisive issues in Football over the past 2+ years. Myers spent a good number of pages talking about the background---specifically on Trump's involvement and history with Football.
The section was interesting, BUT it really didn't provide any insight or shockers. I think the most rabid people on both sides of the issue could have read the section and not felt a twinge of emotion. There were no anonymous quotes from the players, no discussion of distension in the ranks, no discussion on how to handle the discussion by the Jones/Coaches/Players. Nothing, just a flat retelling of events.
2. How interesting is the subject?
It is "America's Team." The subject isn't really my cup of tea, but the Cowboys are a definite market and have widespread appeal. Heck, *I* signed up for the Giveaway and read the book.
3. Does the book offer novel insight into the subject or is it just regurgitating already known facts?
I have a strong feeling that the target audience for this book is going to be disappointed. While there are some interesting stories in the book, I do not feel as if it offered much new. Most of my knowledge about the Cowboys comes from listening to ESPN on my commute to/from the bus, but I knew many of the stories.
November 27, 2024
I was expecting more interesting stories based on the subject matter. But this book really missed the mark. Very few interesting stories. It was more a recounting of who was the coach in which years and a couple of conversations that the Jones family had at the time.
I thought this book also needed a better outline. It seemed like someone just haphazardly mixed up some pages and then printed it. No flow. No format. Just some random thoughts put together.
I do not recommend. It was compelling enough for me to finish reading it, but that’s a pretty low bar. Don’t waste your time.
I thought this book also needed a better outline. It seemed like someone just haphazardly mixed up some pages and then printed it. No flow. No format. Just some random thoughts put together.
I do not recommend. It was compelling enough for me to finish reading it, but that’s a pretty low bar. Don’t waste your time.
February 7, 2019
The Jones’ side of the Cowboys history
It is a enjoyable read for any 90s Cowboys OR NFL fan
But it tells the story from the Jones family point of view, with what it seems little vignettes from coaches and players, even going outside the main arc of the story (which seems to be the transformation of the franchise on Jones’ watch)
Would loved to be more in depth with Jimmy Johnson and Parcells on why the team has not been as successful since their last superbowl appearance
It is a enjoyable read for any 90s Cowboys OR NFL fan
But it tells the story from the Jones family point of view, with what it seems little vignettes from coaches and players, even going outside the main arc of the story (which seems to be the transformation of the franchise on Jones’ watch)
Would loved to be more in depth with Jimmy Johnson and Parcells on why the team has not been as successful since their last superbowl appearance
December 8, 2018
I am a cowboys fan and enjoyed the book. It does ramble a bit, but I found the inside scoop on Jerry Jones and the braintrust of the cowboy's fascinating. From Jones buying the team, firing Landry and hiring and firing of all the coaches along the way, I enjoyed the read.
July 15, 2019
Good Book on a Great Subject ;)
You’d think author Gary Myers would have aligned his subjects a little better—sometimes I’d get whiplash trying to follow some storyline—but it’s still a decent read on perhaps my favorite subject: The Dallas Cowboys. Thanks for the memories, Gary!
You’d think author Gary Myers would have aligned his subjects a little better—sometimes I’d get whiplash trying to follow some storyline—but it’s still a decent read on perhaps my favorite subject: The Dallas Cowboys. Thanks for the memories, Gary!
November 11, 2018
Lots of interesting info, but, as many reviewers have already mentioned, it was presented in a rambling, disjointed fashion.
December 17, 2018
Surprisingly fun read. Got a bit repetitive and boring by the end but overall pretty good
December 31, 2018
It bounces around some but overall was an interesting and fun collection of stories from Cowboys history. I’d recommend this for Cowboys fans.
August 30, 2024
A little excessively impressed by money being thrown around, imho.
Not for the n00b.
Not for the n00b.
December 21, 2018
As a lifelong Cowboy fan whose sports consciousness began during the prime of Troy Aikman, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
While the writing could have benefited from a tighter narrative arc and editing - it's a great read for anyone who enjoys the Cowboys or the NFL in general given how impactful the Cowboys have been to the meteoric rise of the league.
The book mainly focuses on Jerry Jones and hones in on the past 25 years where they've had minimal on field success, but it also includes excellent chapters on Landry, Witten and Romo and some additional insights into Aikman and Johnson's relationship.
The most intriguing sections are the behind the scenes moments with Jones and his family. From the draft war room to demonstrating that they still operate from a family business mentality, the Cowboys are a truly unique organization with an iconoclastic leader whose business and sales acumen is unparalleled and this book does a good job of capturing that essence.
While the writing could have benefited from a tighter narrative arc and editing - it's a great read for anyone who enjoys the Cowboys or the NFL in general given how impactful the Cowboys have been to the meteoric rise of the league.
The book mainly focuses on Jerry Jones and hones in on the past 25 years where they've had minimal on field success, but it also includes excellent chapters on Landry, Witten and Romo and some additional insights into Aikman and Johnson's relationship.
The most intriguing sections are the behind the scenes moments with Jones and his family. From the draft war room to demonstrating that they still operate from a family business mentality, the Cowboys are a truly unique organization with an iconoclastic leader whose business and sales acumen is unparalleled and this book does a good job of capturing that essence.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews