Jones orders Cowboys to “Burn the boats”

The Dallas Cowboys reported to training camp in San Antonio today.  Owner Jerry Jones gave his opening state of the cowboys press conference and, perhaps without meaning to, set the tone for the season with one simple phrase “Burn the boats.”

The phrase is a reference to the legend of the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes who, upon reaching the new world, told his men to “burn the ships”.  The idea being that with no ship to return to, his men would reach their goal, or die trying.

It was a perfect phrase for Jones to use, with the Super Bowl at their home stadium, and the team expected to be one of the NFL’s best, Jones has every right to expect his team to reach the ultimate goal.

Unfortunately, the media covering the press conference, did not catch on to Jone’s meaning.  They actually laughed and called it a “Jerryism”.  Shame on them for their ignorance.

Jerry Jones, for all his public gaffs, hit the nail on the head this time.  As the team leader, he set the expectations for the team in a way that can motivate them without giving locker-room fodder to the opposition.

The Cowboys should use this as their battle-cry for the season.  Burn the boats.  Leave nothing behind.  A championship or nothing.  Isn’t that what training camp is about?