Once upon a time, the idea of NFL players wishing to sign on to play for the Dallas Cowboys was the real deal.
Generations of kids grew up watching the Cowboys on Sundays and in prime time to the point that "America's Team'' was its own weekly TV show.
Combine the incredibly high profile with the franchise's Super Bowl success and pitch in Texas as a football hot bed ...
And being a part of the Cowboys "culture'' was a lure.
Fast-forward to today. Cowboys players past and present are feuding about that very culture. Our own Mike Fisher, the Cowboys beat writer for 35 years, has coined the phrase, "Sometimes, Jerry Jones' Cowboys seem like a marketing company that plays football on the side.''
And the next thing you know, a traditional NFC have-not ... has the "culture'' repuation.
It took just a single season, but the Cowboys' rival Washington Commanders have transformed the culture of the organization from one of dysfunction to one of a dominant football franchise.
Along the way, a new coaching staff and quarterback helped make Washington one of the most desirable teams in the league from a free agent standpoint. That's what happens when a team wins 12 games, reaches the conference championship game, and has a young quarterback on a rookie contract,
One of the new acquisitions this offseason is cornerback Jonathan Jones.
A former starter on the New England Patriots, Jones is now 31 years old and looking to compete for a starting role in a defense that is led by Bobby Wagner and head coach Dan Quinn.
From their first work together, it's clear Jones came to Washington to be a part of the improved culture.
Related: Deebo Samuel Speaks Out On Commanders 'What-If' Game At Receiver
"It's hard not to want to be a part of that," Jones said. "The ownership has done a good job of implementing good coaches [and] the GM to bring good players in," Jones said. "We have a lot of good veterans who played a lot of good ball. They've got a lot of young players who are stepping up and making a lot of plays ... I think there's winning here. Last year, you could see it. There's potential to be great."
Washington's main focus this offseason has been on the offensive side of the ball and pushing for superstars at key positions. Defensively, the Commanders are hoping another year under Quinn's scheme will help improve the group.
Even so, there's clearly a culture change underway in Washington. And last year's run to the conference title is just the latest example of how strong the group actually looks.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys' moves in free agency clearly reflect a desire to boost the character of the Dak Prescott-led locker room. That seems wise ...
But it also seems like Dallas is playing catch-up here, not only trailing the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles but now also with the upstart Commanders.
And it's happening not just in regard to the roster strength.
It's happening in regard to the "culture wars.''
Related: Cowboys Content with Waiting Game While Micah Parsons' Message Remains Perfectly Clear
Related: Commanders Celebrate Return of Record-Setting All-Time Great
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 8:15 AM.
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