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Cowboys fans given dreaded label in new NFL fan base rankings

Cowboys fans don't typically have a strong repuation among the media. That hasn't changed.

By Jerry Trotta

Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy with fans in the stands at kickoff
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy with fans in the stands at kickoff / Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
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The doldrums of the NFL offseason are a true grind for fans. With the Dallas Cowboys and every other team on summer break before training camp, player rankings, team rankings -- pretty much every version of "ranking" you can think of, have spearheaded offseason content lately.

For example, the Cowboys' three-headed monster at safety collectively made Pro Football Focus' 2023 safety rankings, while NBC analyst Chris Simms had Daniel Jones ranked ahead of Dak Prescott on his quarterback ladder.

Sometimes, though, the on-field product takes a backseat to rankings that don't involve players, coaches, or the on-field product in general. Stadiums and stadium food are popular picks, but fan bases often find themselves singled out.

Of course, Cowboys fans don't have a sterling reputation among the media. Like in most cases, some of the pushback is warranted, while a lofty percentage is overblown.

In USA Today's Mike Freeman's newest NFL fan base rankings are any indication, that reputation has shown no signs of improvement.

The Cowboys placed all the way in Tier 10.

Cowboys fans disrespected in new NFL fan base rankings

Here's how Freeman's ranking shaped out, including each fan base's tier.

  1. Browns (Tier 1)
  2. Steelers (Tier 1)
  3. Packers (Tier 1)
  4. Seahawks (Tier 2)
  5. Eagles (Tier 2) 
  6. Lions (Tier 2) 
  7. Ravens (Tier 2)
  8. Saints (Tier 3)
  9. Raiders (Tier 3)
  10. 49ers (Tier 3)
  11. Bills (Tier 4)
  12. Broncos (Tier 4)
  13. Commanders (Tier 5)
  14. Bengals (Tier 5)
  15. Rams (Tier 5)
  16. Buccaneers (Tier 6)
  17. Panthers (Tier 6)
  18. Colts (Tier 6)
  19. Jaguars (Tier 7)
  20. Titans (Tier 7)
  21. Bears (Tier 7)
  22. Dolphins (Tier 7)
  23. Patriots (Tier 8)
  24. Falcons (Tier 8)
  25. Chargers (Tier 8)
  26. Vikings (Tier 8)
  27. Cowboys (Tier 9)
  28. Cardinals (Tier 9)
  29. Jets (Tier 9) 
  30. Texans (Tier 10)
  31. Giants (Tier 10)
  32. Chiefs (Tier 10)

Freeman only needed four words to get his message across: "Massively overrated, massive front-runners."

This isn't the first time Freeman's come down hard on Cowboys fans. In May of 2022, he compiled a ranking of the top 10 worse fan bases in sports. America's Team checked in second behind the NBA's Miami Heat and just ahead of the third-place New England Patriots.

Here's what Freeman said in that article:

“ Cowboys fans in August: (Saying while in your face) “This is our year! Back in the Super Bowl!”

Cowboys fans in December after being eliminated from the playoffs: (Saying from across the room) “I'm gonna switch and become an Eagles fan.”

Freeman was clearly exaggerating with the Eagles joke (that had a tough landing, if we're being honest), but it's obvious he doesn't hold Cowboys fans in high regard.

While Freeman didn't entirely miss the mark with his "front-runner" description, every fan base has individuals who only come around when the team is winning and keep up with the team in a casual manner. It's hyperbolic and harsh to lump the entire Dallas fan base into that category.

There isn't a bigger insult a fan can receive.

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