Cowboys' Culture Clearly a Major Problem After Comments by Ex-Players

The Dallas Cowboys had their much-needed bye week and are now preparing for a crucial matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. With a tough schedule coming up, the Cowboys need to forget about all the drama that has followed them everywhere this season and start focusing on the job at hand.

Unfortunately, however, when you are the Cowboys, you don't get to have a drama-free season. The latest piece on ESPN about the organizational culture in Dallas added more fuel to the fire ahead of Week 8.

Talking to current and former Cowboys players, and witnessing it herself, Kalyn Kahler wrote a story about the fan tours of the team facility. The feedback from the former members of the team sheds light on what is wrong with the culture around the organization.

The Cowboys under Jerry Jones hold these tours of the facilities for the fans. It is a good way to generate revenue for the team while creating a bond between the fanbase and the players. However, ex-Cowboys didn't have good things to say about the practice.

"We have 24/7 access to the facility, and it should be a place of solitude. I come in for extra work at night, to use the hot and cold tub, and there's fans walking through, poking out at you."

- Anonymous former Cowboy

Previously, tight end Dalton Schultz had likened the facilities to a zoo, saying that fans treat them like animals on the tours. Multiple former players agreed with the statement, calling it a big distraction.

"Like Dalton said, it's kind of like you're in a zoo and kids are going to see a lion. That's not a reason why we didn't get over that hump. But I just don't think that really equates to winning. That has nothing to do with us winning the game.""

- Former Cowboys defender Jayron Kearse

Kearse is right that it's likely not the reason why the Cowboys have continued to disappoint in the playoffs. At the same time, it's an important indication of what Jerry Jones prioritizes in the organization: As long as the business makes money, everything else takes a backseat, including the comfort and happiness of the players.

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