In 1960, their first year of existence, the Dallas Cowboys lost to my hometown Philadelphia Eagles, 27-25. It’s been downhill for the Birds ever since.
Over 44 years, the Boys have a 61-49 edge over the Eagles, so no matter what happens on their Turkey Day matchup, the Dallas team will retain bragging rights. At least for a while. But, with the NFC East lead on the line, all eyes will be on the field with the Texas home team decked out in navy blue and the visitors in white.
Many NFL fans are away that both teams are odd (to say the least) in that they generally prefer wearing white for their home games. In fact, many speak of Dallas’ blue jersey curse which dates back to Super Bowl V and the team’s early years when games were played outdoors. Original owner Tex Schramm felt the white unis would help during the early season blazing heat. In a touch of irony, the greatest Cowboy of all time, Roger Staubach, played college football for and served in the Navy (as in navy blue). Make of that what you will.
The Eagles, on the other hand, prefer white jerseys because… well, no one really knows. Since 2003, the team is 10-6 when wearing all white (jerseys, pants) and 49-36 when wearing green jerseys and white pants. In fact the Eagles have more uniform combinations than Imelda Marcos has shoes. This season alone, they have had eight different combinations of black, green, and white. Given they are on their way to their first-ever Super Bowl win (just kidding), maybe they are doing something right.
As for the Cowboys, who have been a Thanksgiving football fixture since 1966, until the 2013 season the team was decked out in throwback blue and white uniforms that brought back memories of the late Don Meredith and Bob Hayes. As explained below, the NFL on an earnest path to reduce concussions, put a halt to the oldtime uniforms last year because of helmet safety concerns.
After you have had your fill of turkey and trimmings, sit back and watch the guys in navy blue take on the guys in white and green. May the better team win. Happy Thanksgiving.
Photo via Jason Trent/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)