In the aftermath of a tragedy, Cowboys can help unite community

In the aftermath of one of the most violent attacks in U.S. history, the Dallas Cowboys can help unite a divided city and set an example for other cities in the future.

Sometimes in life things happen that divide people against each other, and hate begins to spread. Americans sometimes forget that we are all living in one of the best countries in the world, and that this country was founded on different values.

While Dallas, Texas and the rest of the United States is reeling from the absolutely horrific attacks on police officers Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys and their players have a unique ability to unite the community.

Americans and even citizens across the globe have an unique bond with sports, and their favorite teams. We have seen it many times in the past when a tragedy unfolds and people come together and rally at a sporting event. Yes, the Cowboys don’t take the field until September. But that doesn’t mean their voices wouldn’t be heard as a rallying cry in Dallas.

I believe players such as Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Ezekiel Elliott, and many others have a unique opportunity to be the voice of reason and peace during this time. Violence is never the answer to any situation. I am aware that it is best to leave politics out of sports, but this isn’t a political issue.

This is a decency issue, and a matter of loving your neighbor. When you go out to a ball game to catch your favorite squad, you celebrate with complete strangers and have a common bond. For the duration of the game you don’t think about anything other than your shared passion for the game and team you love.

Maybe one of the reasons athletes can be so influential in times like this is because of the makeup of a sports team. You have people of different backgrounds, color, beliefs, and stature that all unite as a single unit with a focused goal. Lifelong friendships are made, and some of the best memories of their lives are found on the ball field. That gives the everyday citizen hope. Maybe as humans not all hope is lost.

I never like to stray from the news surrounding America’s Team, but in times like this sometimes it’s good to reflect and hope that good will prevail. I remember how the entire NFL and the rest of the world united after the attacks of 9-11-01, and I am hoping that some similar magic happens following this tragedy.

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Dallas is a huge community and very few are more influential and have a voice as powerful as the players on the Cowboys. With their calls for peace and love, hopefully the people will remember that we are all living here together. We breathe the same air, and live under the same sun. Let’s unite and love one another as if we were filling the seats at AT&T Stadium on a crisp fall day. We can’t afford to let hate triumph in these times.