Organized chronologically, the quotations provide a colorful record of the ups and downs of one of the best-known franchises in professional sports—and "must" reading for the die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan

A few examples: Tom Landry on his Flex defense: "It is designed to stop every play on the line of scrimmage. This is the theory, you have to remember, not necessarily the result."

Lineman Jim Boeke on quarterback Don Meredith: "If Meredith had led us over a cliff, I would have been the first one to follow. He was that great a leader

Linebacker D. D. Lewis on Texas Stadium: "Texas Stadium has a hole in its roof so God can watch his favorite team play

Caustic commentator Howard Cosell: "The Cowboys are the most overrated, overhyped team in professional football."

Sportswriter Bob St. John on Roger Staubach's clean-cut image: "His idea of breaking training is putting whipped cream on his pie."

A convicted murderer shortly before his execution: "I am thankful to the Dallas Cowboys for giving me a lot of enjoyment the past years."

Lineman Nate Newton: "Remember this—there's the Cowboys, and then there's the rest."