Cowboys Have Always Been My Heroes: The Definitive Oral History of America's Team 1960-1989

Golenbock (Bronx Zoo) has put together an oral history of the Dallas Cowboys from their start in 1959 through 1996 that is definitive and fair. Here are candid portraits of initial owner Clint Murchison Jr., who ran a $1.25 billion fortune amassed by his father into a $500 million debt, and Tom Landry, who coached the team from its first game, in 1960, until he was fired in 1989. Innumerable colorful minor characters fill these pages, such as Peter Gent, an ex-player whose expose, North Dallas Forty, depicted a Landry with feet of clay; ""Hollywood"" Henderson, who wrecked his career with cocaine; Roger Staubach, part of whose triumphant quarterbacking resulted from ignoring his coach's orders. Racial discrimination looms large here; several African American players fought for integration. But black players couldn't claim bias in Cowboy pay scales, for penurious general manager Tex Schramm kept all salaries among the lowest in the league. Even football fans who chafe at the designation ""America's Team"" will find this saga absorbing and revealing. Photos not seen by PW. (Aug.)