Dale Hansen, former WFAA sports anchor, recently provided his perspective on the new eight-part Netflix documentary series “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,” which covers the Dallas Cowboys and features significant moments from the 1990s era. Hansen reported on the team during that period and shared insights about notable events, including the firing of Tom Landry and the Herschel Walker trade.
In an interview about the documentary’s first episode, Hansen reflected on how these pivotal decisions impacted North Texas. He noted that he ultimately viewed the dismissal of Landry as necessary, despite its initial controversy.
Hansen also recounted an incident involving Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. He described a live interview where Jones was asked which team would hire him as their general manager, prompting a strong reaction from Jones. Hansen stated: “Jerry stands up, I then reach out to shake his hand to thank him for his time, and he just slaps my hand and storms out,” continuing, “I called Rich Dalrymple, the PR guy, the next day and go, ‘What was that all about?’ Because I’ve said some harsh things to Jerry’s face and he just rolls with it because he loves the publicity. He just does.”
Dalrymple offered insight into Jones’ reaction following this exchange. According to Hansen: “And Rich Dalrymple says to me, ‘You sliced his Achilles tendon, you exposed him to the one thing he can’t answer. You exposed him, and it really set him off.’ He said, ‘Our drive back after that interview was maybe the maddest I’ve ever seen Jerry Jones.” Hansen added humorously: “And being the idiot that I am, I went, ‘Well then, I guess my work here is done.'”
Hansen also recalled traveling with the Cowboys during Jimmy Johnson’s tenure as head coach. He shared a memory of being present on a team flight when Johnson denied dinner to both players and staff after a loss.
The conversation provides historical context about the Dallas Cowboys franchise during a period when it carried national significance.
