DFW's Biggest Sports Stories Of 2014
2014 was a record-setting year in North Texas. From the Final Four to Ron Washington's resignation to DeMarco's success, we recap the year in sports.
Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Become NFC East Champs
Even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was lowering expectations heading into the 2014 season. But on Dec. 21, the Cowboys dominated the AFC South champion Colts 42-7 at AT&T Stadium to move to 11-4 and win their first division title since 2009.
Tony Romo finished 18-for-20 for 218 yards and four touchdowns. Jason Witten and Dez Bryant both scored touchdowns. And the Cowboys moved to 3-0 in December.
Romo underwent back surgery in December of 2013 after missing the team's final game of the season.
His debut this season against San Francisco didn't ease anyone's fears. Romo was sacked three times, tossed three interceptions, and generally looked immobile.
Since then, he's thrown 33 touchdowns to just six interceptions while completing over 70 percent of his passes.
He's the league's highest rated passer (113.2) and has become a legitimate MVP candidate. Still worried?
DeMarco Murray surpassed Emmitt Smith's franchise single-season rushing record of 1,773 yards in the season finale against Washington.
The 100-yard performance was Murray's 12th of the season -- also a franchise record.
In all, the fourth-year back led the league in rushing attempts (392), rushing yards (1,845), rushing TD (13), and all-purpose yards (2,261).
Honorable Mention: Cowboys Release DeMarcus Ware
It would be disrespectful not to mention the Cowboys' all-time leader in sacks (117), who the Cowboys released in March after 9 seasons.
Ware has appeared in all 16 games with Denver this season, recording 10 sacks and 33 tackles.
Dallas Mavericks
Rarely are losses viewed as victories, but the Mavs did what no other team could do -- challenge the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.
Dallas took the Spurs to seven games in the opening round; San Antonio would lose just four more games over three series en route to an NBA title.
And who can forget Vince Carter's corner, buzzer-beating three to win Game 3? Not us.
After missing out on top tier free agents like LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony, Dallas instead reverted to a familiar strategy this offseason.
Mark Cuban and the front office acquired Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea -- both key pieces in Dallas' 2011 title run.
They also wrestled restricted free agent Chandler Parsons from Houston in a move that stirred the pot between the two clubs.
Dirk Becomes Highest-Scoring Player Not From U.S.
Nowitzki passed center Hakeem Olajuwon for 9th on the NBA's all-time scoring list on Nov. 11, becoming the highest scoring player born outside of the United States.
The German forward has since passed Elvin Hayes to move into 8th. He currently sits at 27,352 points.
Next up: Hall of Fame center Moses Malone (27,409).
Honorable Mention: Mavs Acquire Rajon Rondo In Trade
The jury is still out on whether Rondo's move to Dallas will pay dividends.
If the Mavs flop in the playoffs and he fails to re-sign in Dallas this offseason, the answer will be much clearer.
Texas Rangers
Michael Young Retires, Rejoins Organization
Over 13 seasons in Texas, Young appeared in 1,873 games, appeared in two World Series, and became the club's all-time leader in games, at bats, runs, hits, doubles, triples, and total bases.
Young agreed to a trade to Philadelphia in December 2012.
This offseason, he returned "home", agreeing to become a Special Assistant to General Manager Jon Daniels.
Ron Washington Resigns As Manager
In the midst of a disappointing season, Washington resigned on Sept. 5 to address an "off-the-field personal matter."
After almost two weeks of silence and public speculation, Washington faced the media and provided some insight into the matter.
"I was not true to my wife after 42 years. I broke her trust. I am here today to own that mistake."
He left the organization as the franchise's all-time leader in regular season wins (664) and games managed (1275).
A Lost Season
Many viewed Texas as a postseason-caliber club yet again. The Rangers were lucky to avoid losing 100 games.
Prince Fielder, Derek Holland, Martin Perez, Matt Harrison, Jurickson Profar and Geovany Soto each missed at least 100 games. Tanner Scheppers and Alexi Ogando also suffered season-ending injuries.
The result: The team's first 90-loss season since 2003.
Dallas Stars
The Stars home game against Columbus on March 10 was suspended after forward Rich Peverley lost consciousnesses on the bench. He was immediately tended to by team physicians and listed in stable condition by league officials.
In June, the 32-year-old underwent surgery to address an irregular heartbeat. He has not resumed playing with the team.
The game was resumed on April 9.
After acquiring Tyler Seguin before the season, the Stars qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Though in a losing effort, they didn't disappoint.
The No. 8 Stars battled the top-seeded Anaheim Ducks in a physical series, nearly forcing a game 7 before surrendering a late two-goal lead.
Though Dallas hasn't replicated that effort this season, 2013-14 signaled progress for a once proud franchise.
Mike Modano Elected To Hockey Hall
Modano retired as the all-time leading goal scorer and points leader among American-born players in the NHL.
In 21 seasons, the Michigan-native appeared in 1,499 games, collecting 561 goals and 813 assists in the regular season.
He is the Stars' franchise leader in games played (1,459), goals (557), assists (802), points (1,359), game-winning goals (92), power play goals (156), and short-handed goals (29).
The team retired his No. 9 in an emotional ceremony at the AAC on March 8.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Seguin Leads NHL In Goals
Through 35 games, Seguin leads the league in goals (25) and is second in points (43).
He already has seven multi-goal games, including two hat tricks on the season.
College Sports
In the first year of the College Football Playoff, the Big 12 had a shot at getting two one-loss "Co-Champions" into the Playoff. Instead, they were the only major conference left out entirely.
Baylor beat TCU 61-58 head-to-head during the season, but the Bears lagged behind the Horned Frogs in the polls in the final weeks.
In the last poll, Baylor finally jumped TCU, resolving that issue. But Ohio State moved to No. 4 to grab the final spot.
2014 Final Four Comes To AT&T Stadium
The NCAA Final Four tournament set a new weekend attendance mark with 158,682 attending the three tournament games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
In the end, the Connecticut Huskies bested the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the final.
Along the way, Tony Romo scored arguably the best photobomb in the history of ever.
Larry Brown Resurrects SMU Basketball
SMU hasn't made the NCAA tournament since 1993. That almost changed in 2014.
Larry Brown and SMU finished the 2013-14 season 23-9, earning the No. 1 seed in the NIT. The Mustangs made the final, where they lost to Minnesota.
Despite the NCAA snub, Moody Madness returned to SMU.
Local Sports
The Passing Of Richard Durrett
The veteran reporter who covered the Texas Rangers and other sports for ESPN died suddenly on June 17 at the age of 38.
An estimated 2,000 people attended a benefit concert to support his family, raising over $200,000 in the process.
Allen, Cedar Hill Capture State Titles
Allen quarterback Kyler Murray finished his career 42-0 as a starter by beating Cypress Ranch 47-16 to capture the school's third straight state title.
Cedar Hill has been to three straight titles games, playing Katy each time, and won its second straight in the 6A Division II championship.
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