Dallas Cowboys documentary revisits landmark Emmitt Smith trade

Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith

The Dallas Cowboys are featured in a new Netflix documentary, “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,” which explores the history of the franchise since owner Jerry Jones purchased the team. The series focuses on major events from recent decades, especially the period in the 1990s when the team experienced significant success.

A central subject of the documentary is the trade that sent Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings. This transaction ultimately allowed Dallas to draft running back Emmitt Smith, who played a key role in their championships during that era.

According to Netflix Sports, “How Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson shocked the world by trading Herschel Walker, cutting five players, which ultimately led the Dallas Cowboys to drafting Emmitt Smith (…) America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys is now playing.” This statement emphasizes both the surprise and long-term impact of that trade.

When it occurred, many observers considered the deal unusual. In retrospect, it is often regarded as one of the most influential trades in National Football League history for its role in reshaping the Cowboys’ roster.

The release comes as current topics surrounding Dallas include contract discussions with linebacker Micah Parsons. While recent seasons have brought challenges for postseason advancement, some look back on past moves as examples of successful team-building.

“America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys” is now available for streaming on Netflix.


Organizations Mentioned: Pro Football Hall of Fame

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