NN NFL Tournament of Badness Winner: Dallas Cowboys Being America's Team

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 10:30 AM PDT in NN Random Brackets

For many of you, there was never a doubt in your mind. The one-seeded top entry in the bracket "Dallas Being Referred To As America's Team" destroyed everything in its path to claim the title of badness. Many of you called it, and none of us are surprised. I do think this goes much farther than "a 49ers blog hates the Dallas Cowboys," though. Because it's not just us, everybody hates the Cowboys. No seriously, stop someone and ask them on the street, if they're not specifically a fan of Dallas or they don't follow football, chances are that they want those Cowboys to be wiped from the face of the Earth.

Go to London right now and stop one of the rioters and ask him. You think he's angry now? Not a chance, my friend. You'll see true anger when you mention the Cowboys.

And that's why the moniker is such a bad one. That's why it irks so many of us. The New York FOOTBALL Giants is a dumb name in this day and age, but not a whole lot of us want to eviscerate each individual Giants player like we might for the Cowboys. The dumb name remains a dumb name and nothing more. If only that were the case for "America's Team." Unfortunately, there's so much about that team and the perception of that team that we hate, that the moniker is all that much more insulting.

That being said, after the 479-237 drubbing of "Score, Commercial, Kickoff, Commercial," we're not done with this yet. We'll have some bonus matchups every now and then. This versus the lockout. Versus Roger Goodell. John York. The possibilities are endless and much fun will be had. I have decided to start up a new bracket contest, which will have a fanpost later on today.

Until then, let's celebrate the awfulness of the Cowboys. Here's a link to the final matchup, and of course here's the full bracket and results. I do know that some of you won't like this result and will consider it bias, but that's the way it shaped up, and I certainly enjoy running this tournament. The bonus matchups should be fun. Today we crown it, but can it keep the title?

Tweet Comment 52 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

America's Team

America’s most hated team… plain and simple. The whole stupid hole in the roof so god can watch his favorite team play thing… everything about them wreaks of self worship. Its like giving yourself a nickname. It’s only cool when someone else gives it to you.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 10, 2011 10:47 AM PDT reply actions

What I most hate:

Atrocious, abominable, awful, dreadful, painful, terrible or unspeakable announcers who are never axed because they’re part of the buddy system. Sports is merit in a nation where politics is anything but. These crappy announcers continually ruin games for true fans.

by oldfoggy on Aug 10, 2011 10:52 AM PDT reply actions

I hear ya on that one too...

some of them really are just plain awful… My wife laughs at just how often I say something in regards to the game only to have the announcers either ignore it, or mention it after I do. I should not be capable of doing their job. They are media professionals, and the average sports fan can offer every bit as much insight (if not more) than they do.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 10, 2011 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Howard Cosell called it the jockocracy

by smileyman on Aug 10, 2011 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Wow, the COWBOYS got voted as the most hated team by 49ER FANS?

Wow, I never would have guessed

/sarcasm

"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais

by MichaelClutchtree on Aug 10, 2011 10:55 AM PDT reply actions

reading comprehension fail

by smileyman on Aug 10, 2011 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

You're a credit to your species

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

IT SAID A 49ERS BLOG HATES THE COWBOYS SO HE’S INBRED!!!!!!!!!!

"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais

by MichaelClutchtree on Aug 10, 2011 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

The poll wasn't about the most hated team by 49er fans

that poll would be an interesting one though. The poll really had nothing to do with the Cowboys themselves but the stupid moniker that got stuck to them.

by smileyman on Aug 10, 2011 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions

The poll was meant to be that,

but I still think most people just voted for it because they hated the Cowboys. I don’t really hate the Cowboys, although Cowboys fans are some of the most annoying people on earth.

by Rhombus on Aug 10, 2011 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Pay attention.

You are correct that it would be no suprise niner fans hate the cowboys and that was what the comments show. BUT! the vote wasn’t that; it was on the cowboys being called America’s team.

by 49er faithful on Aug 10, 2011 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Yet it won because of blind hatred. How does really affect the games we watch in any way?

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

You wana CROWN'EM, then CROWN'EM...

THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!

Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!

The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!

by Kidd2Petrovic on Aug 10, 2011 11:02 AM PDT reply actions

boooo...

commercials are worse.

Harbaughcalypse Now

by dutra on Aug 10, 2011 11:17 AM PDT reply actions

The Dallas Cowboys under Tom Landry

Were as important to football history as the 49ers under Bill Walsh. The cowboys of the 60’s and 70’s were a juggernaut that put together 20 consecutive winning seasons.

Before Montana two quarterbacks stand out in my memory, Roger Staubach and Terry Bradshaw, for their ability to take over games and come up with a tough win. Staubach was, of course, the two time superbowl champion (MVP of Superbowl VI) and six time Pro Bowl quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970’s.

The Cowboys may no longer be America’s team and they may be great rivals of the San Fransisco 49ers, but there are so many more annoying things going on in the NFL than some old announcers living in the past.

I’m no Cowboy fan, and I thought I disliked them as much as any gold-blooded Bay Area native. But I don’t think I can reach this level of haterade with you all.

At one time the Cowboys, much like the 49ers, were a great football team. Too bad the 90’s version was a bunch of punks.

It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011

Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN

by Pat Willie on Aug 10, 2011 11:27 AM PDT reply actions

I think we’re all aware of their contributions and historical significance.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 3:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

So you speak for everyone?

Please don’t condescend me James, I don’t appreciate it.

I put a decent amount of thought into this post.

It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011

Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN

by Pat Willie on Aug 10, 2011 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions

you are 100 percent reading the tone of that comment wrong.

I’m not being condescending, I’m agreeing, friend. Please don’t jump to conclusions. I didn’t even read your name, no problems with you. Was just pointing out that it’s extremely common knowledge. Please don’t try to make this something it’s not, I don’t have it in me today.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 4:23 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Ok James

I thought you might be having a rough day after reading a few other comments.

You came off condescending, but if you say you didn’t intend that I’ll take your word for it.

I know there are alot of guys here that know football as well as anyone, but I was making the point the Cowboys used to be a different team and some guys still give the Cowboys some extra undeserved credit but it’s not the most annoying thing in football to me.

You jumped on my post like I see you do so often, but I was making a point James, and the history was part of it.

I wasn’t trying to give everyone a history lesson, but I bet there are some younger guys here that might not remember how the Coyboys used to be. They were a really good and respectable team at one time, and the 49ers weren’t even competition back then.

The Cowboys of the 90s were an embarrassment to that legacy.

It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011

Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN

by Pat Willie on Aug 10, 2011 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Can we just stop? I’m not being condescending, I don’t need all the formality like you’re stretched taut, waiting for me to piss you off. I didn’t even know it was you, I was commenting on my phone, and I wasn’t trying. I have NO problem with you. We literally have had ONE real argument and it was about free speech or some such that I can’t even remember. We’re about to have a football season and I’ll be damned if it’s going to be ruined by petty squabbling. As far as I’m concerned, you’re a reader and a friend, and if you’re not one of those things, best to just let it be.

Deal?

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions

James I said I'm taking your word for it

That means no hard feelings it just came out wrong or I took it wrong, no need to assign blame.

That free speech thing I think was more a constructive ethical arguement than two belligerent guys argueing over jacks hog or whatever.

I’m not taking any of your writings, responses, or reminders personally, ever, James. I don’t have that thin skin syndrome.

So we’re friends? That’s pretty cool.

Thanks for the response and concern friend, I do appreciate the work you put into all this and I liked the bracket thingys even If I didn’t agree with the winner. Of course I could only vote once on each Item so I didn’t always get my way.

It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011

Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN

by Pat Willie on Aug 11, 2011 4:57 AM PDT up reply actions

I don’t hate Dallas like I used to because the rivalry has faded due to our organizational incompetence and our “Groundhog Day” style bad season after season. I still dislike them and I hope we bash their skulls in on 9/18/11.

I think the rivalry will be more intense and heated as both teams become NFC contenders again and are meeting in the playoffs. I know I personally hated them a lot more after 1992 and 1993 and I hope that we see those days again soon (although with 1994 style results).

Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!

by Adusoron on Aug 10, 2011 11:54 AM PDT reply actions

Good points

You have some good points. But I still hate and will always hate them being called “America’s team” by a few blockhead announcers. Come on you who are doing it; get with the times.
PS. New thing to hate; some more lunkheads calling the Eagles the “dream team.” If they are such why do ESPN’s and the NFL Networks rankings not have them #1?

by 49er faithful on Aug 10, 2011 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd be more bothered by this if the NBA version didn't crash and burn

But right now I’m more annoyed by the Eagles than the Cowboys and not because they win more games.

I’m more annoyed because Vick is their quarterback and I don’t think he deserved another chance in the NFL. Just being out of jail after two years should have been enough of a break for him.

I hope he appreciates the leniency that has been extended to him by the NFL and the sports world. From any of the very few public appearences I’ve seen I don’t think he fully appreciates the forgiveness. I’m dissappionted that cruelty is so easily forgotten and pushed aside because of athletic talent.

It's about having the kind of faith that makes all the "what if's" irrelevant - Jim Harbaugh 2011

Frank Gore has earned his place among the great running backs of the NFL - Pat Willie on NN

by Pat Willie on Aug 10, 2011 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I for one, will never forget.

and please, don’t bother with replies about how he did his time, and blah, blah, blah… wasting your keystrokes on me I’m afraid.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 10, 2011 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I dont even like reading the words "winner; Dallas cowboys" in same sentence

Even thou they are the worse of the worse champs

2011 season can't come quick enough..

by AzNiner on Aug 10, 2011 12:12 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Suck it, Dallas

Juan "Doesn't Cheat The Game" Perez, future CF for the World Champion San Francisco Giants.
"And besides, if I wanted to participate in a mindless patriotic ritual where my voice isn’t really heard, I would vote." - Chris Marcil

by marcello on Aug 10, 2011 12:38 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I was never a fan of TO's antics but I did love when he did that...

by Chefantone on Aug 10, 2011 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

It was kind of funny, but I got annoyed when he did it a 2nd time, got tacked, his teammate tried to back him up and Owens didn’t go help the guy who had his back.

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly

To both of you.

by marcello on Aug 10, 2011 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I can understand why people would vote for the Cowboys

Them as “America’s Team” is solely a brand name and nothing else. This is a franchise that has won a total ONE playoff game since 1998. They have a history of signing troubled players, diva’s and washouts. They don’t represent what is good about the game of football. Instead, Dallas represents what is bad about the egocentric aspect of modern football. They build a billion dollar stadium, buy themselves the right to host the Super Bowl and fall flat on their faces in an attempt to play in said Super Bowl. The modern Dallas Cowboys are an absolute joke!

That said, the Cowboys became America’s team in the Mid 60s when they won 10+ games 14 times in a 16 year span, bringing home multiple Super Bowls. Their quarterback, Roger Staubach represented what was good about football and America. They had a class act at nearly every position, including Tom Landry.

This franchise, which I despise, doesn’t represent the ultimate badness of football. a 60 minute football game is turned into a 3 hour and 30 minute affair, in which we see every single possible advertisement of corporate America drilled into our minds and attempting to brainwash us. “Have McDonald’s, its good for you”. Here is an advertisement for Tequilla, but "drink responsibly. etc…………. That is complete BS and corporate America has taken a stranglehold on the average NFL fan

Yes, I just did Twitter. Follow me for ultra intelligent insight.
"I am our future, forget Kory"

by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 10, 2011 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs

Exactly…poor results to a great concept.

Anywho, thanks for making the tourney.

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I don’t get this. Your entry didn’t win, so it’s poor? Just enjoy it for the fun it is. Comments like these make me want to stop running these brackets.. no offense to you. We’re Niners Nation, should I have stuffed votes?

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 3:10 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

you could do a best of football bracket

But it will be a winner for second place as “tears streaming down Pete Carroll’s face” would win effortlessly

by mcwagner on Aug 10, 2011 3:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I would vote for

the possibility of number 6.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 10, 2011 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I had no entries. Not sure why you’re responding to me and not nocal. I’m just baffled that people continue to vote for media BS that has zero affect on the game. This one is even worst than most…I rarely ever hear this phrase uttered, especially when the niners are playing a non cowboys team.

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

P.S. there’s a reason nocals post is rec’d

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't disagree with nocal's post lol. I disagree with yours. I know how to use the reply button.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Disagree, but my point is very simple. Little utilized marketing has little to no impact on the game.

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions

In fact, he doesn't even come close to saying it's a poor result.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

He completely contradicts the validity of it, you’re just mincing words. Guess you’re in a bad mood.

by mrg80 on Aug 10, 2011 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

No, he's actually talking about the Cowboys. He didn't even say anything about the tournament.

I’m not in a bad mood, not even close. You keep doing that, putting words in my mouth. You didn’t like the result, fine. A lot of people didn’t like that the entrants they voted for didn’t win. All I can do is post the matchups and let the users vote them out.

You say “there’s a reason his post is recc’d” (a post that doesn’t expressly disagree with me, by the way), but I’ll counter with the fact that the Cowboys entrant received an awful lot more votes than he did recs. There’s a reason for that.

And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it. ... Always a ninja
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter

by James Brady on Aug 10, 2011 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

This franchise, which I despise, doesn’t represent the ultimate badness of football.

Don’t know why it bothers you that I don’t think the cowboys should win and you’re singling me out.

by mrg80 on Aug 11, 2011 6:09 AM PDT up reply actions

wow, really...

it was an open vote which included every member of niners nation who chose to participate. The results are the results. Not poor, not stellar… just results. The fact of the matter is, more people are annoyed by the “America’s Team” moniker, than are put off by two many commercials. As far as that goes by the way, I really don’t give a rip about the commercials. I love Sundays, and I love football. I have zero interest in seeing the experience hastened by removing the filler, so I can get the football games over with, so that I can get outside and mow my freakin’ lawn. I eat my snacks, and drink my beer all damn day long from 10am till whenever the Sunday night game ends. Then I wait impatiently for Monday night so I can do it all over again. Then I wish it was after Thankgiving so that i wouldn’t have to wait until the next Sunday to get more, cause Thursday night football freakin’ rocks too.

by Sigelvictory on Aug 10, 2011 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions