2012 Camp Cowboys: 7.30.12
10. Owner Jerry Jones, who made his fortune primarily in oil and gas exploration, has used the phrase "glory hole" before in describing his goals on and off the football field. But since Sunday was his "State of the Union" address and since he phrased it so emphatically – "I want me some glory hole!" – it'll no doubt be the best sports motto since Spurs coach Greg Popovich's "Give me some nasty" during the NBA Playoffs. And when Jerry shot down PR man Rich Dalrymple's attempted explanation – "That's news to me," he said – it gave us all liberty to run with it. Enjoy.
9. The Pacific Ocean. The Southern California cool vibe. The star on the helmet. It's all very glamorous here. And then arrives defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Slimmed down, yes. But still very much Rob Ryan, evidenced by his yellow Harley T-shirt and the garbage bag full of laundry slung over his shoulder.
8. For what it's worth, Jones these days is wearing Cartier mirrored Aviator sunglasses. Cost? Roughly $1,000.
7. Jason Garrett and Jerry agree that Lawrence Vickers will be Dallas' best fullback since Daryl Johnston. Ol' "Moose" retired in 1999, meaning the Cowboys have suffering via the likes of Robert Thomas, Richie Anderson, Darian Barnes, Oliver Hoyte, Deion Anderson and Tony Fiammetta ever since. Yuck.
6. Cowboys still in market for veteran third receiver. Of the current candidates on roster only Kevin Ogletree has an NFL catch. Dallas recently tried to acquire Josh Gordon (supplemental draft) and Dezmon Briscoe (waiver claim). Still looking for this year's Laurent Robinson.
5. Checked into my hotel Saturday night and immediately discovered that the Cowboys Cheerleaders are on my floor. Gonna be a glorious couple of weeks. But mascot Rowdy is here too, so I guess things even out. And even though I love San Antonio's Riverwalk, it can't beat eating fresh seafood overlooking the Pacific at Gladstones in Malibu.
4. Asked if disgruntled cornerback Mike Jenkins was buying into his role as third cornerback and his chance to increase his free-agent value via a good season head coach Jason Garrett answered simple, "Yes."
3. So let me get this straight: The Cowboys have been in contact with the NFL about Dez Bryant's recent arrest, Dez is in the team's counseling program and last week Jerry met twice with Bryant advisor David Wells … but somehow the owner hasn't talked to the receiver? Asked what the what, Jerry said "I don't know why. When I say that, it hasn't been a deliberate thing. I just haven't sat down and talked with him. I want to have more information." After the press conference Jones told a smaller group of media that Dez is "a man amongst boys" on the field and that he's had players in the past that required "heavy lifting off the field" that were well worth the trouble. And more Jerry on Dez: "He hasn't been in shape the last two years." … "He's gotta learn to adhere to society's rules."
2. Bryant will return punts this year and Felix Jones and handle kickoffs. I say bravo. If you're not maximizing the opportunity to put the ball into the hands of your best playmakers then you're just wasting time. Both guys can change a game with their returns. See last Thanksgiving for a reminder of what Dez can do in the open field.
1. The Rangers got to a World Series with "That The Way Baseball Go" for a motto. The Mavs won the NBA championship behind "The Time is Now." In 2006 out here in Oxnard Bill Parcells gave his Cowboys' assistant T-shirts adorned with a poker table and "All In." So is there any doubt about this year's Cowboys' slogan: "Glory Holelelujah!"
