Whether you’re a football fan, or you never watch sports; whether you love or hate the Dallas Cowboys, whether you like or you can’t stand Jerry Jones – read on to gain three must-have Communication Superpower Moves.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles – December 10th, 1995

🏈 The Context.

While watching an episode of “America’s Team: The Gambler and his Cowboys”, a 2025 sports documentary series about the Dallas Cowboys during Jerry Jones’ ownership, I said to Jimmy (handsome husband) …

“Stop! That’s THE game!” He asks, “What’s the deal about this Cowboys-Eagles 1995 game?” I replied, “That’s the game that caused Marty’s death.”

🏈 The Stats.

With the game tied at 17-17 and just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Dallas Coach Barry Switzer dialed up a run play on Dallas’ own 30-yard line. Emmitt Smith was stopped short, but the Cowboys got a do-over when officials deemed the play started after the two minute warning. Dallas ended up running the exact same play, getting stuffed again.

 🏈 The Outcome.

Marty, my friend’s dad, sitting in his lounger at his home in Dallas, could not believe that Switzer ran the exact same unproductive play twice. He was outraged… screamed at the TV… and had a heart attack.

The Cowboys lost this game. Marty lost his life.

Superpower Communication Takeaways from this Crazy Sad True Story

1️⃣  Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room

At the funeral for Marty, Rabbi Z approached the pulpit and paused. He saw the casket, looked at the bereaved family, gazed at the attendees, and began his comments by saying, “I’m sure Marty’s family will be OK with me saying that we certainly do take our Cowboys seriously in Dallas, Texas.”

Rabbi Z acknowledged the circumstances and embraced the reality known by everyone at the funeral. His comment evoked a light chuckle in that room.

For you: Whether you’re leading a summit retreat or presenting to your board or facilitating a zoom strategy session – find out the taboo subjects. Are there elephants in the room? The more you know, the better your outcome.

2️⃣  Maintain Levity

Life can be stressful and sad/bad stuff happens. As leaders, try to find the humor, like Rabbi Z did at this funeral. If you can make your team smile you will diffuse tension, enhance good will and increase your chances that your audience will remember what you say.

3️⃣  Keep Your Eye on the Ball (not to be punny)

“Who won the [expletive] Super Bowl that year? I don’t believe it was Philadelphia,” Coach Switzer said, knowing the Cowboys won all five games after the infamous fourth-and-1, winning in Super Bowl XXX. “I get the last laugh on that one.”

🏈 For you ➜

Use these three super power communication moves in your business and personal lives. I wish Marty could’ve laughed along side Switzer at Super Bowl XXX.