The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most valuable franchises in all of sports—but not because of success on the field. Under Jerry Jones’ leadership, the Cowboys have traded Super Bowl glory for headlines, drama, and decades of mediocrity. With a fanbase that stretches far beyond Texas, the question remains: are the Cowboys still America’s Team, or just America’s soap opera?

Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith are both legends—but only one should be called the greatest running back of all time. While Smith holds the records, Sanders dazzled with fewer resources, less help, and more jaw-dropping talent. This article breaks down the stats, the eye test, and the circumstances that prove why Barry wasn’t just good—he was better.