Former Dallas Cowboys Players Speak Out on Distractions from Group Tours
For years, the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, known for their dominance on the field and their devoted fanbase off it. The team’s popularity has only grown with each passing season, leading to a variety of off-field events, including group tours for fans, corporate partners, and tourists. While these tours offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the league’s most storied teams, they have also sparked controversy among former Cowboys players. Many ex-players are beginning to speak out about the disruptive nature of these tours, particularly when it comes to their ability to focus on their training and preparation for games.
The Cowboys’ practice facilities, stadiums, and even the locker room have become sites for scheduled group tours. These tours, which cater to fans eager to get a glimpse of where their favorite players work, can involve everything from stadium tours to private experiences where tourists are allowed to walk through the same hallways the players do. While the idea behind these tours may seem harmless or even beneficial from a business standpoint, former Cowboys players argue that these activities have become an unnecessary distraction. What was once a quiet and focused environment for training has now been infiltrated by outsiders who can sometimes disrupt the flow of daily routines.
The players’ complaints come from multiple angles, many of them centered around the invasiveness of the tours. Players have reported being interrupted during their most critical moments of training. For example, the tours can cause disruptions during team meetings or film study sessions, when concentration is crucial. During training camp or the regular season, these distractions can be particularly harmful to player performance and team cohesion. Some players have even mentioned that they feel like their privacy has been violated, as tourists have access to areas that were once strictly off-limits to the public.
“During a game week, there’s a very specific rhythm and routine that players get into,” said one former Cowboys defensive player, who requested anonymity due to ongoing relationships with the team. “When you’re trying to get into that zone and prepare for a game, and you’re constantly having to deal with fans or tour groups in the locker room or walking by the practice fields, it messes with your head. It’s a distraction, and we can’t afford distractions.”
The situation is exacerbated during training camps, which are considered some of the most intense and focused periods of a player’s year. Every minute of training camp is vital for players to build chemistry, work on their skills, and prepare physically and mentally for the grueling season ahead. However, with tours scheduled for these high-intensity days, the players are left balancing their need for focus with the logistical requirements of the tours. Tourists and fans roaming the facilities can sometimes be seen peering through windows or standing at the edges of the practice field, attempting to catch glimpses of their favorite players. For many former Cowboys players, these interruptions can lead to frustration.
“The fans are the reason we play the game. We understand that,” one former Pro Bowl offensive player shared. “But it’s different when you’re trying to give everything you have to prepare for a season, and then there’s a line of people waiting for you to finish just so they can take a picture with you. It’s distracting, and it takes away from the intensity of what you’re supposed to be doing. It feels like you’re being treated more like an attraction than a professional athlete.”
The former players’ complaints are not about the fans themselves but about the timing and nature of the tours. There’s a fine line between allowing fans to appreciate the team and its history and maintaining an environment that allows players to focus on their craft. When the line is crossed, the results can be less than ideal. Several players mentioned feeling that their workplace had been turned into a “theme park,” where their ability to concentrate and perform at the highest level was compromised by outside forces.
“It’s tough because you don’t want to come off as ungrateful,” another former Cowboys player explained. “We know that the tours bring in money, and that helps the team and the organization. But it’s also our livelihood on the line. If we don’t have the proper environment to train and focus, then we can’t perform on the field. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.”
Beyond the logistical disruptions, there is also a sense of loss of privacy. Cowboys players, like all NFL athletes, have long been accustomed to a certain level of public attention. But having tourists walk through their daily spaces can take a toll on their mental well-being. One of the most sensitive areas where this invasion of privacy is felt is in the locker room, which has traditionally been a sanctuary for players. The Cowboys’ locker room has been a place for players to decompress, discuss strategies, and mentally prepare for upcoming games. However, the influx of group tours has eroded that sanctuary. With fans and tourists now having access to these private spaces, former players have voiced concern about the lack of boundaries.
“When you’re in the locker room, it’s your space,” said another former player who spent several years with the Cowboys. “It’s where you go to be with your teammates, to build chemistry, and to talk about the game. But now, you have tourists walking through, taking photos, and asking questions. It doesn’t feel like a private, focused environment anymore. It’s like you’re being watched 24/7.”
There’s also the issue of the mental fatigue caused by constant public exposure. Many players have commented that when they’re at the facility, they don’t want to be treated like celebrities; they want to be treated like athletes with a singular focus on the game. The constant demands for photos, autographs, and selfies can detract from the focus they need to maintain during intense practice sessions. Some players have even raised concerns that these distractions could lead to injuries, particularly in situations where players are forced to alter their routines to accommodate tour groups.
As a result of these frustrations, some former Cowboys players have called for a reevaluation of the group tours. They argue that while fan engagement is essential for the success of the franchise, it should not come at the expense of the players’ ability to train and prepare effectively. These players suggest that the tours should be limited to certain times of the year, such as during the offseason or on days off, so that they don’t interfere with the demanding nature of the regular season.
Moreover, several former players have proposed that the organization implement stricter guidelines regarding the areas tourists can access. While it’s important to allow fans to interact with the team, there must be a balance between access and respect for players’ space. Some have suggested creating designated fan zones or VIP areas away from practice fields and locker rooms, allowing tourists to get close to the action without impeding on the players’ privacy and ability to focus.
Despite the complaints, the Dallas Cowboys organization has largely defended the tours, citing their importance for team revenue and fan engagement. The tours generate significant income for the team, and the Cowboys have long prided themselves on their status as America’s Team, a title that comes with a significant public presence. The team has also pointed out that these tours are a way to preserve the legacy of the franchise and to ensure that fans, especially those who cannot attend games in person, still have an opportunity to connect with the players and the history of the team.
In response to the concerns, the Cowboys have indicated that they are open to dialogue with former players and current team members to find a compromise. While no official changes have been made, the conversation is ongoing, and the team has promised to be more mindful of the scheduling and locations of future tours to mitigate the impact on player preparation.
As the NFL continues to embrace its role in the global sports landscape, the tension between fan engagement and player privacy is likely to grow. The Dallas Cowboys are at the forefront of this debate, and how they balance these competing interests could set a precedent for other teams in the league. Ultimately, the challenge is finding a way to honor the fans who make the game possible while ensuring that the players have the environment they need to succeed at the highest level.
