The first group we will look at is our realistic fans.  These are the people, like our bloggers at this site, who can see beyond the team’s performance on the field.  These fans look at not only the black and white areas of the Cowboys football team and organization, these fans learn to educate themselves on not only the basics of football but they dig deep inside and learn the ins and outs of the game of football.  These Cowboy fans are the ones who post in Facebook groups the going’s on even in the off-season.  They don’t try to sugar coat their predictions to spare feelings and most of the times these Cowboy fans get along well with other NFL teams fans.

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys fans holds up a sign during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The second groups of fans are you seasonal fans.  These are the fans are the ones who follow Cowboys football from September to December.  They know and enjoy the game of football but they don’t follow the off-season fun.  They are usually the ones you find joining and leaving groups depending on the time of season.  They are a mix of savvy and not so savvy but they all love the Cowboys.  These fans are irrelevant to other teams’ fans they just are there from the beginning of the season to the end of the season.

The final groups of fans are the ones who cause the most problems.  They are the fans who give other Dallas Cowboy fans a bad reputation especially on social media’s.  This seems to be one of the largest type of Dallas fans to be found.  They usually don’t understand the inter-workings of the game of football but they love their Cowboys.  These fans are your extremist fans.  They claim that Dallas is going to the Super Bowl every year and then when reality hits, they are the ones who disappear until the next off-season.  They are also the ones who start groups then end up kicking out other fans who don’t agree with the philosophy that Dallas is Super Bowl bound every single year.  Any negative towards the Cowboys this fan will be the one to call you out.  These fans are the reasons Cowboy fans are hated.  These fans are the ones who make a spectacle out of themselves.  Sure someday they will be right and Dallas will go to the Super Bowl but who knows how old these fans are.  They are almost bully-like on social media but never-the-less, they are Dallas Cowboy fans.

It takes all kind of fans to make a fan base but it seems our beloved Cowboy fans are the most hated fans to be found.  Cowboy fans are starting to make a name for themselves and it’s going the way of Eagle fans not for the better.

Like you, I was absolutely devastated when The Cowboys lost to The Washington Redskins last December. The next day I was groggy and distorted. Things seemed blurry; it was like I had a hangover. Wow — leave it to me to have a hangover! I hardly ever have an alcoholic drink.

One would think a Cowboy fan would get used to this feeling. It’s not like this team has had a serious run into the playoffs in almost two decades. No, the Cowboys of late come up short of punching their playoff tickets.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh hoists the Vince Lombardi trophy after Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

You know what? It freaking hurts. Admit it.

After the terrible game, an email chain started between us writers at The Landry Hat. We were devastated. Some of us tried to rationalize; some of us offered their true insights on how each felt; some of us just listened.

I wanted to respond. I hit reply and started piling up text in my email client. But I couldn’t finish the email. I was still groggy. As the days went by, and more emails came in, I realized I couldn’t express an opinion any better than my peers. The writers on this site put together words — honest and sincere — I was feeling too, but could not say.

Although that game was devastating, I felt comfort knowing others were just as passionate about The Cowboys.

A writer on this site was so hurt that detaching from the team was considered. This person was clearly hurt. I know how that feels. I’ve considered — many times — detaching myself from The Cowboys. Yes it’s lazy and cowardly. But it is a solution. Especially when the season ending narrative becomes predictable and at best, the norm.

Moderation is key to a healthy life. You can have a donut, maybe two, but make sure you eat your veggies. Make sure you get enough exercise each week. Drink plenty of water. Be mindful and keep your thoughts clean. And be sure to moderate your passion for The Cowboys.

Wait, what?

Let’s get back to my initial question: Would you ever abandon The Dallas Cowboys? Have you already?

The Cowboys play of late has seriously challenged how I feel about The Cowboys. I might have a serious disdain for some players and members in “The Cabinet,” but I could never moderate my love for this team.

Never.

That’s how a serious fan is built: He or she is so intrinsically involved that the fabric of their being is interconnected with The Cowboys — forever and beyond Sundays. We are foolish for a win, and even more foolish when we lose. We become addicted to a victory to the point that it elevates our week until a new Sunday comes. Of course, losing signifies for some, depression, grogginess and tears.

It’s the price of a fan. Everything has a cost. One way or another, you will pay. But is it worth it you may ask? To each their own.

As for me, I’m okay with being the fool who claps on Sundays for The Dallas Cowboys.

Obviously, I love the ability to talk to my fellow fans about anything related to the game. But that is where the Internet has made things so much worse. By nature, we are all negative in some ways. I will raise my eyebrows at anyone who tells me they don’t react negatively to a turnover. I do it, and by my nature, I am someone who focuses on the positives. All teams turn the ball over. They have to overcome it. Some teams do. Some teams don’t. (more…)