Throughout my childhood, it became a weekly tradition to watch the Dallas Cowboys with my father. His allegiance to the team is somewhat unusual, considering it began while he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. He became a Cowboys fan while living in the heart of one of the team’s biggest rival cities.
As I begin a new chapter in my career, covering the Cowboys for LoneStarLive.com, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and excitement.
In the past three seasons, I covered one of Dallas’ top rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, for the *Philadelphia Inquirer*. Before that, I reported on the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins for *The Athletic*. This summer, I took a brief hiatus from beat reporting to cover the league as a whole for *theScore*. However, when the opportunity to cover the Cowboys came up, it was one I couldn’t turn down.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that football is more than just a sport in Texas; it’s a way of life. This is especially true in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Arlington, where Jerry Jones built the ultimate NFL stadium. The Cowboys’ star is globally recognized, and their influence knows no limits.
Like my father, I’ve learned that Cowboys fans are everywhere, even in rival cities. During my annual work trips from Philadelphia to Dallas, I often found planes full of Cowboys supporters. The chance to serve those readers and viewers with my reporting and storytelling is something I’m thrilled about.
Throughout my career, I’ve developed a passion for uncovering the untold stories that require trust and deep connections with those I cover.
After his rookie season, I visited Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith at his offseason home and observed several of his training sessions. Days before he intercepted former teammate Daniel Jones in the playoffs, I dined with cornerback James Bradberry, who opened up about his time with the Giants in ways he hadn’t before. The night before the Eagles left for Super Bowl LVII, I watched film with Dallas Goedert and Avonte Maddox as they prepared for the biggest stage in sports. I’ve also profiled franchise right tackle Lane Johnson multiple times, and we’ve visited local mental-health facilities together.
In 2019-2020, despite having no prior experience covering baseball, I was assigned to cover the Tampa Bay Rays for *The Athletic*. After pitcher Blake Snell won his first Cy Young Award in 2018 but struggled the following season, I traveled across the country with him for an exclusive profile that explored his challenges. About a year later, during the pandemic-affected World Series between the Dodgers and Rays, Snell and his family FaceTimed me after his start, and I documented their journey to the Series.
These are the types of stories, curiosity, and adaptability I aim to bring to my new role with LoneStarLive.com. I recognize the Cowboys beat is already full of incredible storytellers, and I hope to offer a fresh perspective while earning your trust and readership over time.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the Cowboys fan base over the past three decades, it’s that they’ll be tuned in, no matter what.
My father’s passion for the team has been a part of significant moments in my life. When I was 4½ years old, my parents had my only sibling. I distinctly remember the excitement of becoming a big brother and the events that followed.
When I first met my brother, my father informed me that they had named him Troy. Naturally curious, I asked, “Why?” and wondered if there was any significance to the name.
“Troy Aikman, anak (Filipino Tagalog for ‘my child’),” he replied. “My favorite player.”
Even as a toddler, I knew exactly who my father meant — the three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
We’re in the midst of a challenging season that will likely unfold with many unexpected twists and turns. Throughout this journey, I promise to approach it with curiosity every day at 1 Cowboys Way.
