Dallas Cowboys’ Fans, Blame Stephen Jones

Oct 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones on the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

When DeMarco Murray  joined the hated Philadelphia Eagles as a FA running back, Dallas Cowboys’ fans everywhere lost their minds. Instantly, Murray became the 21st century version of Benedict Arnold. Or Benedict Murray, as some memes suggested. His jersey was burned like LeBron James’ when he left Cleveland for the Miami Heat.

Murray became the most hated man in Cowboys history. I’m sorry, he is the “most hated” man in Cowboys history.

I’ve heard every derogatory comment you can imagine about Murray. From “I hope he tears his ACL on the first play of the game” to “expletive Murray” or something as simple as “he’s a traitor! Enjoy your stay with the losers!” Of course, some are very offensive and downright criminal. Twitter exploded last week when he announced he was signing with the Eagles.

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I knew it would be bad, but not this bad. Call me naive but I had no idea “CowboysNation” was this crazy. Yes, I said some very bad things about Murray signing with the hated Eagles, too (All comical). But I’d been one of Murray’s biggest supporters, writing constantly on why the Cowboys should sign him.

But when Murray made the statement that he joined the Eagles because they had a “good chance of winning the Super Bowl”,  CowboysNation really went crazy. And for good reason. Not only do you join the hated Eagles, but you believe you have a better chance of winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles than the Cowboys? I knew Murray was delusional and he really became the enemy.

That’s like me saying I’m a millionaire.

With all of the hate and vitriol Murray has received, Cowboys’ fans are blaming the wrong person. Their blame, although understandable, is misplaced. Cowboys’ fans should be blaming the front office. Particularly, Stephen Jones, the new Czar of the Dallas Cowboys. Whether its drafting a player, acquiring a player, or paying them, Stephen has the final say.

Believe it.

He’s running the show now. Not Papa Jones. Stephen is the one who talked his dad out of drafting Johnny Manziel. And the person who said “no” to Murray receiving more guaranteed money.

Stephen offered $12 million guaranteed and $6 million a year. He wasn’t budging from his stance, no matter how many franchise records Murray broke and set. Hell, the Cowboys could have won the Super Bowl and Murray could have been named MVP of the Super Bowl  and it wouldn’t’ve mattered to Stephen. Stephen considered Murray’s injury prone career, his 392 carries and how RB’s break down after such a heavy work load, as reasons for not paying Murray more money.

Not to mention Murray was the NFL’s Offensive Player Of The Year, the first player in league history to begin a season with eight straight 100-yard rushing games. Plus, Murray set the Cowboys’ franchise rushing record with 1,845 yards.

Stephen did his due diligence on Murray. And anyone else who didn’t fit the financial puzzle of the Cowboys game plan could walk, too. Henry Melton, Bruce Carter, Dwayne Harris, Justin Durant, and Jeremy Parnell all signed with other teams. And Stephen didn’t even blink. Simply replaced them and is concentrating on re-signing Rolando McClain.

If the price ain’t right, no player will be residing in Valley Ranch. I don’t care who they are.

Believe it or  not, that will go for Dez Bryant, too. Yeah, I know I sound crazy. The possibility of Bryant not being a Cowboy for life sounds stupid. I know I sound like Forrest Gump. And I hope I’m wrong. But Stephen isn’t playing, either.

He’s placing a value on players with a specific price tag. And if he didn’t increase the money for Murray because of his injury prone history, he won’t hesitate not to over pay for Bryant and his suspicious “off the field behavior!” And will let him walk, too.

It’s a new Sheriff in Dallas, Texas now. He’s restoring order.

His name is Stephen Jones.

Not Jerry Jones.

So if Bryant were to walk away because of money, don’t blame Bryant, like you all blamed Murray.

Blame Stephen Jones.

Because he’s the new Sheriff in town.