Big Shot Blurbs

Family Day At The Ranch; No Practice

2008-06-19T16:47:00Z

The Cowboys have cancelled Thursday’s final mini-camp practice here at Valley Ranch, and judging by the rock noise echoing from down the hall in the locker room area, the team appears to be holding a “family day” of sorts for the players and coaches. Several coaches have their spouses and children here.

The players reported at 11:45 a.m. for position group meetings and a team meal/family day function. Phillips concluded last year’s mini-camp with a similar outing in an attempt to promote a family atmosphere.

The Packers also organized a team-building event this week. Head coach Mike McCarthy cancelled Wednesday's practice and took his players paintballing.

Tragic News At Cowboys' New Stadium

2008-06-15T01:41:00Z

Two days after three workers were injured in a crane accident, an electrician died while working at the Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, Texas, according to published reports.

CPR attempts at the scene were unsuccessful, and the man was pronounced dead at Arlington Memorial Hospital. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s public Web site identified the man as 45-year-old Timothy Mackinnon of Arlington.

On Thursday, three workers were injured after jumping off a crane cab to avoid falling cables. All three were taken to area hospitals, one via Lifeflight helicopter. Two workers have been released while the third remains hospitalized, according to published reports.

Since workers broke ground on the $1 billion stadium in April 2006, the project has avoided fatal accidents and only two reported accidents left workers hospitalized until this week. The stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2009-10 season.

Canty Signs One-Year Restricted Tender

2008-06-11T20:49:00Z

Chris Canty hasn't received a long-term deal yet, but he has been a regular participant in the Cowboys' off-season workouts. And the fourth-year defensive end signed his one-year restricted tender Wednesday.

Canty received the first-round tender ($2.017 million), which means the Cowboys would have netted a first-round pick had another team signed him to an offer sheet during the restricted free-agent period and the Cowboys chose not to match.

Canty, entering his fourth-year in the league, started all 17 games for Dallas last season at defensive end and recorded a career-best 46 tackles. He finished tied for third on the team with 3.5 sacks and tied for fourth with four tackles for a loss. He also blocked a field goal against Minnesota (10/21/07) that Patrick Watkins recovered and returned for a pivotal touchdown.

For his career, Canty has started 34 of the 48 regular season games he has played and tallied 133 tackles along with seven sacks, nine tackles for losses, 18 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Ciskowski Excited About New Role

2008-06-05T17:29:00Z

Just visited with Tom Ciskowski, the Cowboys' official new scouting director who has essentially assumed Jeff Ireland's duties since Ireland left for the Dolphins back in January. Ciskowski organized the scouting department leading up to the draft and drew high praise from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on draft weekend.

After Ireland left, Ciskowski (the assistant director of college scouting since 1992) juggled his college duties with helping the department prepare for pro free agency.

"It was a hectic couple of months," Ciskowski said.

"Jerry's been up front with me from the start. I feel real comfortable with what my role's going to be with this organization. There's direct lines of communication; I can go to Jerry at any time . . . He's always been very, very supportive."

-Rob Phillips

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This announcement doesn't come as a surprise, but it helps finalize the Cowboys' reshuffled scouting department: The club has officially named Tom Ciskowski its director of college and pro scouting, replacing the departed Jeff Ireland.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on draft weekend an official announcement was nothing more than a formality, having been very impressed with Ciskowski's work leading up to the draft. The Cowboys addressed two pressing needs -- running back and cornerback -- by drafting Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins in the first round.

Ciskowski orginally joined the Cowboys' scouting department in 1992 and just completed his seventh season as the club's assistant director of college scouting. The Cowboys also recently hired Judd Garrett, brother of Jason and John Garrett, to replace Brian Gaine as assistant director of pro scouting. Gaine and Ireland left to join Bill Parcells in the Dolphins organization after the season.

Here is the Cowboys' full scouting department:

Tom Ciskowski - Director of College and Pro Scouting

Chris Hall - College Scouting Coordinator

Drew Fabianich - National Scout

Walter Juliff - National Scout

Bill Dekraker - Midwest Area Scout

Sam Garza - Southwest Area Scout

Mitch LaPoint - Southeast Area Scout

Henry Sroka - West Area Scout

John Wojciechowski - Northeast Area Scout

Rich Behm - Scouting Assistant

Judd Garrett - Assistant Director of Pro Scouting

Will McClay - Pro Scout

Keith O'Quinn - Pro Scout

Jim Dodson - Pro Scouting Assistant

Owens Expected To Sign 3-Year Extension

2008-06-02T23:51:00Z

The Cowboys are expected to sign Pro Bowl wide receiver Terrell Owens to a three-year extension, with a press conference likely scheduled for Tuesday.

The three-year portion of Owens' new contract is expected to be in the neighborhood of Randy Moss' three-year, $27 million deal with New England which included a $12 million signing bonus and a total package of $15 million in guarantees.

Moss caught an NFL-record 20 touchdown passes last season, while Owens set a Cowboys single-season record with 15 touchdowns. Owens, who turns 35 in December, was due a $3 million roster bonus this week and was expected to count $9.1 million against the salary cap in the final year of a three-year, $25 million deal signed back in 2006.

Pacman Settles Up

2008-05-23T19:00:00Z

Suspended Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones was back in the news on Friday, but not for football purposes.

Jones, who remains indefinitely suspended by the NFL, reportedly paid off a $20,000 gambling debt to a Las Vegas casino. The Las Vegas Sun reported Friday the Clark County district attorney’s office requested felony theft and fraud charges to be filed for Jones’ failure to pay back three markers he received last September, which is comparable to a bounced check in the state of Nevada.

Jones’ agent, Manny Arora, told reporters the debt was settled Friday to help close the case and avoid charges.

Jones becomes the second high-profile athlete tied to gambling debts in the news this week. Former NBA great and current TNT analyst Charles Barkley paid $400,000 in debts to a Vegas casino.

The 24-year-old Cowboys corner has passed his physical, but is still not permitted to train at the Cowboys’ Valley Ranch facility. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will review Jones’ suspension closer to the start of training camp.

Cowboys Reporting To Camp July 24

2008-05-14T20:05:00Z

Those training camp dates have finally been announced. The Cowboys will report to Oxnard, Calif., on July 24 and begin practice the following day at the River Ridge Complex.

The club also is tenatively scheduled to leave Aug. 12 for Denver, where they'll practice with the Broncos on Wednesday and Thursday of that week leading up to Saturday's preseason game.

More to come from the Cowboys' annual golf tournament.

Notre Dame, ASU To Face Off At New Stadium

2008-05-08T17:05:00Z

Add Notre-Dame-Arizona State to the list of future events at the Cowboys' new stadium, set to open in 2009

The two college football programs have completed an agreement to play Oct. 5, 2013, in the $1 billion stadium in Arlington, Texas.

With a capacity of 80,000 fans that is expandable to 100,000 for major events, the stadium is set to host Super Bowl XLV following the 2011 NFL season, the annual AT&T Cotton Bowl, the 2009 and 2010 Big 12 Championship Football Games and the annual Texas A&M-Arkansas football game.

“Bringing the storied tradition of Notre Dame football to the new stadium in Arlington to take on a national power like Arizona State makes this an exciting day for all of North Texas,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “Our region lives and breathes football, and I can’t think of a better place to showcase two of the nation’s top programs than right here at our new home.”

Emmitt Makes Mini-Camp Appearance

2008-05-03T18:15:00Z

The 27 players at this weekend's rookie mini-camp, particularly rookie running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, got a treat Saturday morning here at Valley Ranch when former Cowboys great Emmitt Smith arrived with his son to watch practice.

The NFL's all-time leading rusher even provided some tips to Jones and Choice on how to avoid jams when breaking off the line of scrimmage. Needless to say, both players were a little overwhelmed in just their third professional practice.

More to come later today.

Pacman Says He Won't File For Reinstatement Yet

2008-04-15T17:46:00Z

Suspended Titans cornerback Pacman Jones, expected to file for reinstatement to the NFL on Tuesday, has delayed the move while Tennessee continues shopping him for a possible trade, with the Cowboys apparently the most serious suitor.

"I was going to file for reinstatement, but I didn't," Jones said on the Michael Irvin Show (ESPN Radio). "I want the situation to work out, if it be a trade or if it don't be a trade and I go back to Tennessee, before I file for reinstatement with the commissioner. Not that I haven't done everything (to gain reinstatement) because I think I have done everything, but if I haven't done anything it gives him time to tell me what I haven't done. And also when I go back to him when the trade happens or it don't happen I can tell him I'm just ready for a fresh start."

The Cowboys and Titans resumed talks on Monday regarding Jones, a former sixth overall pick in 2005 who just completed a year's suspension April 10 for repeated violations of the league's personal conduct policy. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who will be speaking Wednesday in Dallas at the SMU Athletic Forum, has planned to review Jones' suspension closer to the start of training camp.

Pacman Making Airwaves Cont.

2008-03-25T17:13:00Z

Here are some bits from Pacman Jones' THREE-HOUR interview with Michael Irvin here in Dallas. Has an NFL player ever spent more time as a radio guest? Got to be some kind of record.

**On why he's hoping the Cowboys will try to acquire him:

"Mostly it was a childhood dream and the Cowboys are America's Team, period and point blank. This is where I want to be and hopefully it'll work out in the long run and I can get here really, really quick."

**On whether the Cowboys' Super Bowl chances would improve if he came aboard:

"I would say it would improve a lot. I'm a high-intense player. I play with passion. It ain't no second doubt about going half-speed, just like driving a car without a seat belt. I'm great at what I do."

**If he was Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, what kind of pitch would he want to hear:

"Just the honest truth, man, and see if I'm passionate about wanting to change or am I passionate about changing from the old Pac, about getting things right and stop making the terrible decisions that I made. As long as he feels that I'm telling him the truth, I think if I was Jerry I would give me another shot."

**On his punt return ability:

"I'm good for at least four touchdowns a year."

**On whether he expects to be reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:

"Of course I do. As long as I keep doing what I'm supposed to do and keep my head clean I will get reinstated."

**On when he sees that happening:

"I'm praying it'll be before the draft. April 10 would be a whole year (suspended) for me."

**On whether he would stay out of gentleman's clubs if he came to Dallas:

"I cannot say ever, ever, but I can say they won't see me in the next three, four years in one because this is what I have to do these next three, four years to change."

Suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has indeed arrived in the Dallas area on Tuesday, sitting in studio for the Michael Irvin Show (ESPN 103.3 FM). He's already answered a variety of questions about his personal life, starting with a troubled childhood in which he lost his father as a young boy.

Jones is now addressing his various run-ins with the law, one by one, and eventually will talk about his interest in possibly joining the Cowboys during this three-hour show. Jones, of course, remains under contract with Tennessee and it remains uncertain if and when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will lift his suspension.

"I know most people are going to believe what they read, but that's why I'm here - to put my point on everything that's happened," Jones said. "Not saying that I've not made no bad decisions because I've made some bad decisions. But at this point in my life I'm in the turning stage of getting it back where it should be."

Very comprehensive interview by Irvin and co-host Kevin Kiley, who are attempting to shed light on Pacman the Person. Much more to come this afternoon.

Julius Jones Drawing Lions' Interest

2008-03-04T18:55:00Z

Running back Julius Jones' first free-agent visit is Detroit.

Jones, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to meet with the Lions on Tuesday. Looks like Jones is one of four players visiting Detroit, along with linebacker Dan Morgan, offensive lineman Corey Hulsey and defensive lineman Chuck Darby.

Detroit might be a fit for Jones given Kevin Jones' injury problems and Tatum Bell's free-agent status.

Mick Shots - March 3

2008-03-04T00:01:00Z

Thank goodness the Randy Moss negotiations are reportedly done with the Patriots, so you guys can get your feet back on the ground and get on without all this silliness of pairing Moss with Terrell Owens. Did any of you ever stop to think if you paid Moss like $9 million a year that Owens would balk, as if he might not anyway, at earning just $7 million this year – $3 million roster bonus and $4 million base? And as you might have begun to figure out, the salary cap is real, and when you spend like $10 million of cap space on your restricted free-agent tenders, re-signing Flo and speculating on Zach Thomas, you don’t have the type of money to throw like $9.5 million a year on an Asante Samuel.

Hey, I’m no expert on this free agency stuff. But some of these contracts, are you kidding me? Now there were some thoughts Wade Phillips might convince his former Chargers cornerback Drayton Florence to come here as the team’s third corner. Ha! The guy got $6 million a year from Jacksonville, along with $12 million in bonuses. And they say he’s going to be a nickel corner? Got to be kidding. Or take Bernard Berrian, another wide receiver a bunch of you were all over because of his speed. He’s only costing the Vikings $7 million a year. Think about that, $7 million. Guess that’s just the price of doing business in the NFL these days, but you’d think for $7 million, or in Florence’s case, $6 million a year, you could at least get yourself of Pro Bowler – or someone who has caught more than 13 career touchdown passes.

The NFL did the Cowboys no favors in their attempts to sign franchised safety Ken Hamlin to a long-term deal. The Raiders inked Giants free agent Gibril Wilson to the third-highest safety deal, a six-year, $39 million package which includes $16 million in guarantees. And then I see where Madieu Williams was signed to a six-year, $33 million deal by Minnesota. My gosh, how much would the Cowboys have to offer Hamlin on a long-term deal then, and to think, at least he went to the Pro Bowl and had five interceptions? Those two guys combined for six interceptions, and hey, not that interceptions are the end-all for safeties. But now you know the going rate. Ouch!

-Mickey Spagnola

Free Agency Notes: Walker Waived, NFC East Movement

2008-03-01T19:58:00Z

The first weekend in free agency has been relatively quiet for the Cowboys, who have focused most of their attention – and available cap room – on retaining Flozell Adams (six years, $43.8 million) and protecting free agents Ken Hamlin ($4.396 million franchise tag), Marion Barber ($2.56 million restricted tender) and Chris Canty ($2.017 million restricted tender). Their lone outside acquisition came early last week when linebacker Zach Thomas agreed to a four-year deal that can be voided down to one year based on playing-time incentives.

Trading nose tackle Jason Ferguson to the Dolphins clears $2.4 million, but the Cowboys still only have about $4 million in cap room to sign free agents. The Cowboys still have needs to fill, but don’t expect any Leonard Davis-type deals this March. That kind of money already went to Adams, who got $15 million in guarantees. But there’s movement around the league that could hold some interest to the Cowboys:

WR Javon Walker’s release. Denver avoided paying $5.4 million in roster bonus money to Walker, and the wideout will get his desired change of scenery. Win-win there. There’s speculation the Cowboys are among several teams interested in Walker, and he does have ties to wide receivers coach Ray Sherman from their days in Green Bay. But Walker’s knee problems concerned Denver – Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan said he thought microfracture knee surgery might be needed down the line – and other teams likely can offer more than Dallas.

S Gibril Wilson’s big payday. The former Giants safety got Flo-type money from the Raiders – a six-year, $39 million deal that includes $16 million in guarantees. That’s huge money for a safety, and not a desirable market price with Ken Hamlin still seeking a long-term extension with the Cowboys.

CB Asante Samuel in green. The top available free-agent got his monster deal, signing a six-year deal with the Eagles worth some $20 million in guarantees. I'm guessing seeing T.O. twice a year helped influence Philly’s thinking. Owens had 10 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown at the Linc last year.

Thomas Already Familiar With Dallas D

2008-02-26T01:20:00Z

Zach Thomas didn’t become a seven-time Pro Bowler on physical talent alone. In fact, many didn’t give the 5-11, 220-pound inside linebacker much of a chance coming out of Texas Tech.

Twelve years later, Thomas has more tackles than any player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Work ethic factored heavily into his success with the Dolphins.

Thomas agreed in principle to a deal with the Cowboys over the weekend and already has started analyzing his new defense on film.

“I always try to get prepared,” Thomas said Monday on the Michael Irvin Show in Dallas (103.3 FM). “I don’t ever want to set myself up when I come in there and be a step behind. Every player has been in this defense for over a year, two years now. It’s something that I want to go in there and at least know what I’m doing.

“I’m looking at tape and those boys up front are big and they make plays. That’s going to be exciting.”

Thomas drew interest from the Patriots and Saints but ultimately decided to return to his home state of Texas. He said New England “just didn’t feel right”, having faced them in the AFC East for so many years. He also realizes some might have doubts about his durability given his age (34) and the fact that he missed all but five games last year with concussion/migraine problems.

“There’s going to be a question mark when I come in and that’s fine,” he said. “I’ve had a question mark my whole career. It all started with my size. They said I wasn’t going to play but three, four years because of the way I play and how small I am. Now I’m on Year 13. Then there’s going to be health, there’s going to be age (concerns), so it’s just something that I’m going to have to overcome.”