Beyond The Last Dance: Netflix's Cowboys Doc Wins Hearts
The Dirty Laundry of "America's Team": How Netflix Exposes the Turbulent History of the Dallas Cowboys
In a fascinating new documentary series, "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys," Netflix peels back the layers of one of the most iconic franchises in American sports. The eight-part series is having a similar impact on audiences as its predecessor, "The Last Dance," which chronicled the Chicago Bulls' storied history. But while "The Last Dance" benefited from behind-the-scenes footage that had been collecting dust for 20 years, "America's Team" delves into the complex, often dysfunctional world of the Dallas Cowboys.
At the center of it all is Jerry Jones, the team's enigmatic owner and general manager, who has always walked a fine line between genius and buffoonery. The series expertly captures his volatile personality, which has been both a blessing and a curse for the franchise. "I'm four episodes in, but this Cowboys doc is better than the Last Dance," raves one fan on social media.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary is its examination of Jones' tumultuous relationship with his former coach, Jimmy Johnson. The two Arkansas teammates had won national championships together at Miami and Oklahoma, respectively, before Jones bought the Cowboys for a paltry $150 million in 1989. Johnson's arrival in Dallas marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround, as the team went from 3-13 to back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
However, success was not enough for Jones, who craved the spotlight and wanted some of the credit for the team's victories. His ego clashed with Johnson's more low-key personality, leading to a dramatic showdown at an owners' meeting in Orlando. According to eyewitnesses, Jones toasted the team's 1993 title only for Johnson to refuse, setting off a chain reaction of events that would ultimately lead to Johnson's firing.
"Make no mistake, Jerry wanted some of Jimmy's glory," recalls Dave Wannstedt, the former Cowboys defensive coordinator. "But Jimmy wouldn't play along, and that's when things got ugly."
Jones' infamous tantrum has become the stuff of legend in NFL circles. In an interview with The Morning News, Jones himself revealed a shocking detail: during his cancer treatment in New York, he was advised by a doctor to make a list of 10 people who made him boil with rage. "At No. 1, I wrote down Jimmy Johnson," Jones confessed. "I went back to the female doctor a few weeks later and said, 'I just can't get past that first mother...'" (Jones' words trail off, but the implication is clear: his vendetta against Johnson runs deep).
The series goes on to explore other controversies surrounding the team, including an episode titled "Cocaine Cowboy" about Michael Irvin's off-field struggles. But it's not all bad news – viewers will also get a glimpse into Jones' softer side as he reflects on his complicated relationships with players and coaches alike.
One of the most compelling aspects of "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" is its willingness to tackle the team's darker moments head-on. By doing so, it humanizes the characters involved and provides a more nuanced understanding of the franchise's complex history.
As Ben Axelrod of Awful Announcing notes, "Even admitting to a 'generous portrayal' of Jerry Jones, I think this series is better than The Last Dance." With its unflinching look at the Cowboys' past mistakes and triumphs, "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" is an essential watch for any sports fan.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to delve into the wild world of the Dallas Cowboys. But be warned: this doc series is not for the faint of heart – it's a juicy, gossipy ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.