Stop hating my boys

The most irritating responses to declaring myself a Cowboys fan include "Why?" and "I hate the Cowboys." Those hating on my boys are either fans of a rival team or despise them for being America's team. That's just how I perceive it. Or maybe the feelings are a result of the Cowboys being the most valuable NFL team, with an approximate value of $3.2 billion to the NFL average of $1.43 billion, while also missing the playoffs seven of the last ten seasons. I can understand it's frustrating for a struggling team to be so popular, but what is a team without loyal fans and sponsors?

The Dallas Cowboys have cultivated a powerful and obviously valuable brand. AT&T Stadium features a retractable roof and former Guinness record-holding video board, which measures 180 feet wide by 50 feet high. Everything is indeed bigger in Texas. Expected to open in 2016 is The Star, a 91-acre development that will include training facilities, office space, a hotel and retail development. Without the value of the Cowboys brand, a record-breaking stadium and construction of new headquarters wouldn't exist. The Cowboys name evokes pride and unity, leading to funds for new, shiny things.

Tony Romo, you silly little quarterback. Romo developed a bad reputation for choking in the fourth quarter by throwing interceptions that hand the game over to the other team. However, the guy actually has a higher passer rating than any other NFL quarterback in the fourth quarter since 2006. Romo's first two NFL passes came against the Texans on October 15, 2006. First, he completed a 33-yard pass to Sam Hurd. His next throw was a two-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens. Not bad for signing as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2003.

While I think it's unfair Romo is haunted by a bad rep, it has proven to be a blessing in disguise. When Romo is clutch in the fourth quarter, most of the football world is in awe. Those not respecting his game irritate me; you have to give credit where it's due. I don't care if you like him, but you can't deny the talent. What's more, I still hear ignorant people referring to him as Tony "Homo." Real mature. I should move on before I get lost in a rant. Tony Romo is magnificent in the fourth quarter, leading more than 20 game-winning drives. The stats speak for themselves. MOVING ON.

Dan Bailey for president! Or at least team MVP. When the Cowboys struggle, Mr. President swoops in to save the day with a superhuman field goal from 50 plus yards. Bailey boasts a career field goal percentage of 90. His season-long field goal increases each year, from 51 yards in 2011 to 56 yards this season. Bailey's kickoff averages just under 64 yards, with nearly half of his 311 kickoffs being touchbacks. Unlike Romo, Bailey is well-known for being dominant in his position. Bailey's kicking statistics tell a story nearly all football fans know. What interests me are his defensive stats. In 60 games played through four seasons, Dan Bailey made seven tackles, with two coming this season. I'm sure each were ugly as kickers aren't trained to bring down opponents returning the kick, but he did it nonetheless. Sadly, I couldn't find video evidence of his most recent tackle. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe it's buried deep in the plethora of "Dan Bailey kicks the football" videos. Regardless, it's time Dan Bailey be treated like Matt Prater was last season. It's certainly possible for Bailey to kick a 60-yard field goal, like Mr. Prater. Though in Bailey's case, it'll come with far more pressure behind it. Prater had a stellar Broncos team in front of him. It seems the Cowboys are finally finding some chemistry and rhythm. Previously, Bailey was by far the best player on the team most days. I wonder if his back ever hurt from carrying the team. He's probably heard that one before, though.

You shouldn't hate the Cowboys just because they're worth a crap load of money. The team is valuable because of fan loyalty. Every elite team will hit a low point. Dallas has and continues to persevere through it. Besides, we experience the lows so that we may appreciate the highs. And my dear boys seem to be on the verge of an upswing.