Ep 11. Before They Were Cowboys

Before They Were Cowboys is the eleventh episode of ESPN Films' second season. The episode is a documentary-style examination of the early lives and careers of several key players and coaches on the Dallas Cowboys football team. The episode is structured around interviews with these players and coaches, as well as archival footage and photographs.

The episode begins by introducing the Dallas Cowboys franchise, which was founded in 1960. The team quickly became a powerhouse in the NFL, winning two championships in the 1970s and three in the 1990s. The episode then turns to the early lives of several key figures on the Cowboys, including owner Jerry Jones, quarterback Troy Aikman, and head coach Jimmy Johnson.

Jones grew up in Arkansas, where his family owned a chain of successful restaurants. After attending the University of Arkansas, he went on to become a successful oil and gas businessman. In the 1980s, he purchased the Cowboys franchise and quickly set about revamping the team.

Aikman, meanwhile, grew up in Oklahoma and was a highly-touted high school football player. After a successful college career at UCLA, he was drafted by the Cowboys in 1989. Aikman would go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys, leading them to three Super Bowl victories.

Johnson, like Jones, grew up in Arkansas. After a successful coaching career in college football, he was hired by the Cowboys in 1989 to be their head coach. He quickly turned around the team's fortunes and led them to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the early 1990s.

The episode also profiles several other Cowboys players and coaches, including wide receiver Michael Irvin, running back Emmitt Smith, and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt. These interviews are interspersed with archival footage of the team's games and practices, as well as photographs from their early lives.

Throughout the episode, the emphasis is on how these key figures came together to build one of the most successful football teams in history. The episode explores the various challenges they faced along the way, from injuries to disciplinary issues to personal struggles.

Ultimately, Before They Were Cowboys is a fascinating look at the early lives and careers of some of the most successful figures in football history. Through their own words and interviews with those who know them best, the episode offers a glimpse into the dynamic personalities and driving forces behind the Dallas Cowboys' success. Whether you're a die-hard Cowboys fan or simply a football enthusiast, this episode is sure to offer new insights into the team's storied history.