Why Cowboys went en masse to pay homage to Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki in final home game
The Dallas Cowboys went en masse to pay homage to retiring-Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki in his final home game Tuesday night at the American Airlines Center.
Coach Jason Garrett headlined the group of Cowboys who occupied two adjoining suites for the Mavs’ 120-109 victory against the Phoenix Suns and to watch Nowitzki one last time.
The players included quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, tight end Jason Witten, tackle Tyron Smith, center Travis Frederick, guard Zack Martin, tackle La’el Collins, receivers Tavon Austin, Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, cornerback Jordan Lewis and safety Jeff Heath, among others.
Lawrence signed a five-year, $105 million contract extension with the Cowboys earlier in the day but was at the game with his family. He said it was a night he didn’t want to miss because of Nowitzki, the greatest player in Mavs history and one of the greatest to play in Dallas, regardless of the sport.
Nowitzki is a 14-time All-Star, six-time NBA scoring champion, NBA MVP, an NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP.
“Dirk is the man. He is a legend in Dallas,” Lawrence said. “All the work, all the sacrifice he has put in for the city. We had to come out and show support. ‘41 We love you bro. We appreciate everything you did for us.’”
Lawrence, who now has a chance to finish his career with one team like Nowitzki, said the Cowboys can learn a lot from a man who played with one team for 21 years.
“With that sacrifice comes a lot of respect and teamwork,” Lawrence said. “Dirk paved the way for some of these young players in the league and some young players on the team, showing them what hard work does.”
Lee echoed a similar sentiment.
“Dirk is a guy we have all looked up too and really set the standard for young athletes,” Lee said. “How to perform on the court but also how to handle himself off the court with the type of integrity and grace and class. We have all looked up to him for a long, long time.”
Witten played 15 years with the Cowboys before retiring for one season to do television and then returning to the team for 2019.
He is the only player with a long-term personal relationship with Nowitzki. He said the Cowboys came as a team to show their respect.
“Respect. We have so much respect,” Witten said. “I was here for 15 years and Dirk was here before that. Every interaction I have had with him. Every time I have been around him, he is just special. It’s a respect thing we owe him as a player. What he was able to do as long as he did. That is what you are looking for. Simple respect. Thank you. He is the G.O.A.T.”
If there is anyone who can appreciate playing in one city and one team for your entire career, it’s Witten.
“Damn right,” Witten said.
This story was originally published April 10, 2019 at 7:00 AM.
