The Dallas Cowboys are to thank. I’m still a fan of the Dallas Mavericks.

Sports fandom is a complex, evolving relationship that is shaped by geography, culture, emotions, and personal experiences. For some, their allegiances are as unshakable as the city they represent, while for others, loyalties can fluctuate and change over time. As a lifelong fan of Dallas sports, I can say with certainty that my passion for the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks has been defined by highs, lows, triumphs, and frustrations. However, despite all the ups and downs, one thing has remained constant: my love for these two iconic teams.

But what is it about these two franchises, in particular, that has kept me invested and excited for so many years? Despite the challenges faced by each organization, the devotion to them is unwavering. As much as I may voice my frustrations at times, I continue to bleed blue, silver, and green. So, while I have deep admiration for the Cowboys, I am also steadfast in my support for the Mavs—two teams that have come to define the sports culture of Dallas. Here’s a deeper look at my continued support for these teams, and how, despite everything, my loyalty remains unshaken.

The Dallas Cowboys: A Legacy of Excellence (and Frustration)

The Dallas Cowboys have long been regarded as “America’s Team.” Whether you buy into that narrative or not, there’s no denying the significance of the Cowboys in both NFL history and the broader sporting world. From their early years under Tom Landry to the powerhouse of the 1990s, the Cowboys have built a legacy of championship football that few franchises can match. For many fans, including myself, being a Cowboys fan is a generational experience—a tradition passed down through families, a bond that is deepened over shared moments of joy and agony.

When I first became a Cowboys fan, it was during the glory years of the 1990s, when the team was virtually unstoppable. Watching Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin dominate the field during their three Super Bowl victories in a span of four years felt like a dream come true for any young fan. These players not only cemented their places in NFL history but also ensured that the Cowboys’ place in my heart was permanently solidified.

However, as the years went by, the Cowboys’ dominance began to wane. The 2000s were an era of fluctuating fortunes, with quarterback controversies, head coach changes, and a series of disappointing playoff exits. The last quarter of the 2010s brought some hope, with the Cowboys re-emerging as a competitive team under head coach Jason Garrett and quarterback Dak Prescott. But even then, the constant refrain remained: “This is the year the Cowboys are going to make a deep playoff run.” Yet, every year, they seemed to fall short of that ultimate goal.

Despite the frustrations, the Cowboys are a team that always manages to pull me back in. Whether it’s the tantalizing promise of a championship, the camaraderie with fellow fans, or simply the joy of watching the team I grew up with, the Cowboys’ presence in my life remains indelible. While Jerry Jones’ leadership and the often-criticized decisions in the front office may lead to frustrations, it’s impossible to ignore the energy that surrounds the team.

The truth is, as a Cowboys fan, I have learned to embrace the highs and lows. The heartache of playoff disappointment, the hope of an eventual Super Bowl, and the moments of greatness that remind me of the team’s potential—these are all part of what makes being a Cowboys fan so special. Even during the most frustrating seasons, I find myself looking forward to the next one, holding on to the belief that, maybe next year, we’ll be able to bring home that elusive fifth Super Bowl.

The Dallas Mavericks: A Different Kind of Journey

If the Cowboys represent my connection to the past—the days of glory and nostalgia—the Dallas Mavericks are where I find my more recent sports joy. As much as the Cowboys shaped my early sports experience, the Mavs have been my source of hope, growth, and incredible moments over the past two decades.

I remember when I first started following the Mavericks in the early 2000s. The team wasn’t yet the powerhouse it would later become, but there was something about Dirk Nowitzki and his unwavering dedication to the franchise that drew me in. The way he carried the team on his back, night after night, spoke to a loyalty that transcended individual greatness. Nowitzki’s resilience and commitment were contagious, and I quickly became a devoted Mavs fan, watching as they gradually grew into one of the most successful teams of the decade.

The 2011 NBA Championship, where the Mavericks overcame the heavily favored Miami Heat, was the culmination of a journey that spanned over a decade. Watching Nowitzki finally claim his first title was one of the most cathartic moments I’ve experienced as a sports fan. The heart, grit, and sheer determination it took for the Mavericks to win that championship made it feel even sweeter. It wasn’t just about the victory—it was about the emotional release, the culmination of years of frustration and near-misses.

As a fan, following the Mavs has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Unlike the Cowboys, the Mavericks have been a team that has consistently shown up in the postseason. There have been disappointments—like their quick exits after winning the title, or the heartbreaks in the 2014 and 2015 playoffs—but the franchise has always had a strong foundation. Under the leadership of Mark Cuban, the Mavs have remained a competitive force, even if they haven’t consistently contended for championships.

In recent years, with the emergence of Luka Dončić, the Mavs have found themselves with a new superstar to build around. Dončić’s ability to take over games and his maturity at such a young age has brought an excitement to Dallas that hasn’t been seen in quite some time. For Mavs fans, this new era represents not just the hope of a return to championship contention but the possibility of becoming a perennial powerhouse in the Western Conference.

While the Cowboys have had their struggles over the past two decades, the Mavs have served as a reminder that hope, hard work, and building a team around a superstar can yield success. It’s that belief in a team’s potential, the excitement of watching a player like Luka rise to the occasion, that has kept me invested in the Mavericks.

Why the Mavericks and Cowboys Are Different But Equally Special

Although my love for the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks is rooted in the same city and the same passion for sports, the experiences of being a fan of each franchise are distinctly different. The Cowboys’ journey has often been a frustrating one, filled with lofty expectations and bitter disappointments. Every year, it feels like the Cowboys are on the precipice of greatness, yet they often fall short. The Mavericks, on the other hand, have been a much more stable franchise in the post-Dirk era, even though they’ve had their own share of disappointments. The Mavs provide a sense of hope and possibility that has been consistently present, especially with a young superstar like Luka leading the way.

But perhaps the most significant difference between the Cowboys and Mavericks, and the reason why I continue to be a fan of both, is the emotional investment. The Cowboys have been a part of my identity for as long as I can remember. My loyalty to the team is tied not only to its history but also to the sense of community that being a Cowboys fan brings. Every fall, I am reminded of my family’s shared memories of watching Cowboys games together, and that sense of tradition and continuity is something that has kept me attached to the franchise.

The Mavericks, however, represent my evolution as a sports fan. They’ve brought me hope when the Cowboys have failed to do so. The joy I felt in 2011 when the Mavs won the championship is a memory I hold dear, and it is one that has kept my love for the team strong, even through seasons of rebuilding. The excitement around Luka Dončić represents a new chapter, one in which the Mavericks could very well find themselves at the top of the NBA once again.

In many ways, my fandom for both teams has allowed me to experience the highs and lows of sports in unique ways. The Cowboys have taught me patience, resilience, and the enduring hope that someday, they will return to glory. The Mavericks have given me a different kind of joy—one that reminds me of what it feels like to believe in a team, to experience the excitement of being on the cusp of greatness, and to feel like anything is possible.

The Future: A Shared Path Forward

Looking ahead, I’m excited for what the future holds for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks. While the Cowboys are still in the midst of their rebuilding process under head coach Mike McCarthy, with a strong roster led by Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, the team’s Super Bowl aspirations are always on the horizon. The future of the team could hinge on the decisions made during the offseason, including how they manage the salary cap and the development of young talent.

For the Mavericks, with Luka Dončić at the helm, the future looks incredibly bright. The team’s front office is working tirelessly to build a championship contender around Luka, and with the right moves, the Mavs could be poised to challenge for titles in the coming years.

Ultimately, my loyalty to both teams remains steadfast. I am grateful for what the Dallas Cowboys have meant to me over the years, as well as the

joy the Dallas Mavericks have brought to my sports journey. In this beautiful, ever-evolving relationship between a fan and their teams, it’s not about which team is more successful or which season has been the best—it’s about the connection and the emotional ride. And as a fan, I’m here for it all, for better or for worse. Go Cowboys. Go Mavs.