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Are you ready to dive deep into the world of America's most famous football team? Netflix's new documentary series "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" takes you behind the scenes of the Dallas Cowboys like never before. This isn't just another sports show - it's a wild ride through money, power, and football that will keep you glued to your screen.

What Is America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys About?

Netflix dropped this amazing documentary series that tells the crazy story of the Dallas Cowboys and their owner Jerry Jones. The show gets its name because the Cowboys are called "America's Team," and Jerry Jones is known for making big, risky decisions - just like a gambler.

The first season covers the team's most exciting and dramatic moments. You'll see how Jerry Jones bought the team, fired legendary coach Tom Landry, and turned the Cowboys into one of the most valuable sports teams in the world. But it wasn't easy, and this documentary shows all the ups and downs along the way.

Why Should You Watch This Netflix Series?

If you love football, drama, or just good storytelling, this show is perfect for you. Here's what makes it special:

• Real behind-the-scenes footage that you've never seen before
• Interviews with players, coaches, and Jerry Jones himself
• Amazing storytelling that makes even non-football fans interested
• High-quality production that Netflix is famous for
• Perfect length episodes that don't drag on forever

The Main Characters You'll Meet

Jerry Jones - The Gambler

Jerry Jones is the star of this documentary, and for good reason. He's the owner of the Dallas Cowboys who isn't afraid to take huge risks. The show calls him "The Gambler" because he's always making big bets on players, coaches, and business deals.

When Jerry bought the Cowboys in 1989, many people thought he was crazy. The team wasn't doing well, and he had to spend a lot of money. But Jerry had big dreams, and this documentary shows how those dreams came true.

The Players Who Made History

The documentary features many famous Cowboys players who helped build the team's reputation. You'll hear stories from:

• Troy Aikman - The quarterback who led the team to multiple Super Bowl wins
• Emmitt Smith - The running back who became the NFL's all-time rushing leader
• Michael Irvin - The wide receiver known for his flashy style and big plays
• Deion Sanders - The defensive back who brought swagger and talent to the team

The Coaches and Staff

The show also focuses on the coaches who worked with Jerry Jones. You'll learn about the tough decisions Jerry had to make, including firing Tom Landry, a coach who had been with the Cowboys for 29 years.

Season 1 Episode Breakdown

Episode 1: "The Purchase"

The first episode sets up the whole story. It shows how Jerry Jones decided to buy the Dallas Cowboys and what that meant for everyone involved. This episode is full of tension because buying a NFL team is incredibly expensive and risky.

You'll see Jerry as a young businessman who made his money in oil and gas. He always loved football, but owning a team was a whole different level. The episode shows his family's reaction, the media's doubts, and Jerry's determination to succeed.

Episode 2: "Controversial Decisions"

This episode covers one of the most controversial moments in Cowboys history - when Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry. Tom Landry was a legend who had coached the Cowboys since they started playing. Many fans were angry, and the media criticized Jerry heavily.

But the documentary shows Jerry's side of the story. He explains why he thought the team needed new leadership and how hard it was to make that decision. You'll also see how the players reacted and what it meant for the team's future.

Episode 3: "Building the Dynasty"

Episode three focuses on how Jerry started building his championship team. He hired Jimmy Johnson as the new coach, and together they began changing everything about the Cowboys.

This episode shows the draft picks, trades, and signings that would eventually lead to Super Bowl victories. You'll see how Jerry and Jimmy worked together, even though they sometimes disagreed about how to run the team.

Episode 4: "The Glory Years"

This is probably the most exciting episode because it covers the Cowboys' championship seasons. The team won Super Bowls in 1992, 1993, and 1995, becoming one of the most successful teams in NFL history.

The documentary shows game footage, locker room celebrations, and interviews with players who were there. You'll feel like you're part of the team during their greatest moments.

Episode 5: "Drama and Success"

Even during their most successful years, the Cowboys had plenty of drama. This episode covers the conflicts between Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson that eventually led to Jimmy leaving the team.

You'll also learn about the players' personal lives and how fame affected them. The Cowboys were known for their talent, but also for their off-field controversies.

Episode 6: "The Business of Football"

The final episode of season one focuses on how Jerry Jones changed the business side of football. He was one of the first owners to really understand that NFL teams could make money in many different ways.

Jerry built a new stadium, created new revenue streams, and turned the Cowboys into a billion-dollar brand. This episode shows how sports and business come together in professional football.

What Makes This Documentary Special?

Amazing Access

Netflix got incredible access to the Dallas Cowboys organization. They interviewed Jerry Jones extensively, got rare footage from the team's archives, and talked to players who had never told their stories before.

This level of access is rare in sports documentaries. Usually, teams are protective of their private information, but the Cowboys opened up completely for this project.

Great Storytelling

The documentary doesn't just list facts and dates. It tells a real story with characters you care about, conflicts that matter, and outcomes that feel important.

Each episode builds on the last one, creating a complete picture of how the Dallas Cowboys became "America's Team." The pacing is perfect - never too slow or too fast.

High Production Value

Netflix spent a lot of money making this documentary look and sound amazing. The video quality is excellent, the music fits perfectly, and the editing keeps you interested throughout each episode.

They also used advanced techniques to enhance old footage and make historical moments look fresh and exciting for modern viewers.

The Real Jerry Jones Revealed

His Background

Before owning the Cowboys, Jerry Jones was a successful businessman in Arkansas. He made his fortune in oil and gas, but football was always his real passion. The documentary shows how his college football experience at the University of Arkansas shaped his love for the game.

Jerry wasn't just a rich guy who wanted to own a sports team for fun. He genuinely understood football and had strong opinions about how teams should be run.

His Personality

The documentary reveals Jerry Jones as a complex person. He can be charming and friendly, but also tough and demanding when necessary. Players and coaches describe him as someone who cares deeply about winning but also about treating people fairly.

Jerry isn't afraid to admit his mistakes, and the documentary shows several times when his decisions didn't work out as planned. But it also shows how he learned from those mistakes and became better at running the team.

His Vision

What makes Jerry special is his ability to see the big picture. While other NFL owners focused just on winning games, Jerry understood that football teams could become entertainment brands that made money in many different ways.

He was ahead of his time in understanding how television, merchandising, and stadium experiences could all contribute to a team's success.

Behind the Scenes Stories

The Tom Landry Firing

One of the most dramatic parts of the documentary covers how Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry. This wasn't just a business decision - it was personal for everyone involved.

Tom Landry had been with the Cowboys since 1960 and was considered a Dallas legend. When Jerry fired him, many fans felt betrayed. The documentary shows the emotional impact this decision had on players, coaches, and the entire organization.

The Jimmy Johnson Partnership

Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had been friends since college, but working together as owner and coach created tension. The documentary explores their relationship honestly, showing both the successes and the conflicts.

Their partnership led to two Super Bowl victories, but it also ended badly when their egos clashed. The show explains how two people who wanted the same thing - to win championships - could end up working against each other.

Player Personalities

The Cowboys of the 1990s had some of the biggest personalities in sports. The documentary shows what it was like to manage stars like Michael Irvin, who was incredibly talented but also controversial.

You'll learn about the team's culture during their championship years and how Jerry Jones balanced the need for talented players with the challenges of managing strong personalities.

Why the Cowboys Are Called "America's Team"

The Origin of the Nickname

The documentary explains how the Dallas Cowboys got the nickname "America's Team." It started in the 1970s when NFL Films created a highlight reel and used that phrase to describe the Cowboys.

The name stuck because the Cowboys had fans all over the country, not just in Dallas. They played an exciting style of football and had charismatic players that people loved to watch.

What It Means Today

Being called "America's Team" comes with benefits and challenges. The Cowboys get more attention than other teams, which helps them make money and attract good players. But it also means higher expectations and more criticism when things go wrong.

Jerry Jones has embraced the nickname and used it to build the Cowboys brand. The documentary shows how he's marketed the team as more than just a football organization - they're an entertainment company that represents American values and dreams.

The Business Side of Football

Stadium Innovation

One of Jerry Jones's biggest gambles was building a new stadium for the Cowboys. The documentary shows the planning, construction, and opening of AT&T Stadium (originally called Cowboys Stadium).

This wasn't just a place to play football - it was designed to be an entertainment destination. The stadium has a massive video screen, luxury suites, and amenities that changed how people think about attending football games.

Revenue Streams

The documentary explains how Jerry Jones created new ways for the Cowboys to make money. Beyond ticket sales, the team generates revenue through:

• Merchandise sales all over the world
• Television deals that benefit from their large fan base
• Stadium naming rights and sponsorship deals
• Luxury experiences for wealthy fans
• Real estate development around the stadium

Salary Cap Management

Professional football has rules about how much teams can spend on player salaries. The documentary shows how Jerry Jones and his staff learned to work within these rules while still building championship teams.

This aspect might seem boring, but it's actually fascinating to see how successful teams balance spending money on star players with developing younger, cheaper talent.

Cultural Impact

Fashion and Style

The Cowboys of the 1990s weren't just successful - they were stylish. Players like Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin brought fashion and personality to football in ways that hadn't been seen before.

The documentary shows how the team's style influenced not just sports, but popular culture. Cowboys players appeared in music videos, started fashion trends, and became celebrities beyond football.

Media Coverage

The success of the Cowboys during Jerry Jones's early years coincided with the growth of sports television. The documentary explores how the team's dramatic storylines and big personalities made them perfect for TV coverage.

This relationship between the Cowboys and media was mutually beneficial. The team got publicity that helped them build their brand, while TV networks got compelling content that attracted viewers.

National Following

Unlike most sports teams, which primarily have local fan bases, the Cowboys developed fans all over America. The documentary examines why this happened and how Jerry Jones capitalized on it.

The team's success, combined with effective marketing and appealing players, created a national brand that transcends regional loyalty.

Challenges and Controversies

Legal Issues

Professional sports teams face many legal challenges, and the Cowboys were no exception. The documentary addresses some of the legal issues that arose during Jerry Jones's early years as owner.

These weren't always directly related to football, but they affected the team's reputation and Jerry's ability to focus on building a winning organization.

Player Conduct

With success and fame came problems. Some Cowboys players got into trouble off the field, creating negative publicity for the team. The documentary shows how Jerry Jones dealt with these situations.

Balancing the need for talented players with maintaining a positive team image became an ongoing challenge. The show explores specific incidents and how they affected team chemistry and public perception.

Coaching Changes

After Jimmy Johnson left, Jerry Jones had to find new coaches who could maintain the team's success. This proved more difficult than expected, and the documentary covers the coaching changes that followed.

Each new coach brought different ideas and personalities, but none were able to replicate the success of the Jimmy Johnson era during the timeframe covered in season one.

Production Quality and Style

Cinematography

Netflix used excellent camera work throughout the documentary. They combined historical footage with new interviews and modern production techniques to create a visually appealing show.

The way they present football action is particularly impressive. Even people who don't usually enjoy sports might find themselves excited by the game footage and the way it's edited.

Music and Sound

The soundtrack perfectly matches the energy and emotion of each scene. During exciting football moments, the music builds tension and excitement. During more personal interviews, it creates intimacy and connection.

Sound effects and ambient noise also contribute to making viewers feel like they're experiencing the events firsthand rather than just watching them on screen.

Editing and Pacing

Each episode is edited to maintain interest throughout. The documentary switches between different time periods, perspectives, and types of content (interviews, game footage, historical materials) in ways that feel natural and keep viewers engaged.

The pacing never feels rushed or slow. Complex business and football concepts are explained clearly without being condescending to viewers.

Critical Reception

Audience Response

Viewers have responded very positively to "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys." Both football fans and people who don't usually watch sports have found the documentary entertaining and informative.

Social media discussions about the show have been extensive, with many viewers sharing their favorite moments and debating the decisions made by Jerry Jones and his organization.

Expert Reviews

Sports journalists and documentary critics have praised the series for its thorough research, compelling storytelling, and high production values. Many have noted that it successfully appeals to both hardcore football fans and casual viewers.

The access to Jerry Jones and other key figures has been particularly appreciated by critics who understand how difficult it can be to get such cooperation for documentary projects.

What to Expect in Future Seasons

Continuing the Story

While season one covers the early years of Jerry Jones's ownership, there's obviously much more story to tell. The Cowboys have continued to be one of the most interesting and successful franchises in professional sports.

Future seasons will likely cover more recent developments, including new players, coaching changes, and business innovations that have kept the Cowboys at the forefront of professional football.

Broader Themes

The documentary has established themes about risk-taking, leadership, and the intersection of sports and business that will probably continue in future seasons. These themes make the show relevant beyond just football history.

How to Watch and Where to Find It

Netflix Streaming

"America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" is available exclusively on Netflix. You'll need a Netflix subscription to watch it, but it's included with all subscription levels.

The entire first season is available for binge-watching, with each episode running about 45-60 minutes. The show is available in multiple languages with subtitles for accessibility.

Watching Tips

For the best experience, try to watch the episodes in order since they build on each other chronologically. Even if you're not a football fan, give the first episode a chance - the storytelling and character development might surprise you.

If you are a football fan, you'll appreciate the rare footage and behind-the-scenes access that provides new perspectives on familiar events.

Final Thoughts: Why This Documentary Matters

"America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" succeeds because it tells a uniquely American story about ambition, risk-taking, and the pursuit of excellence. Jerry Jones's journey from businessman to sports mogul reflects broader themes about entrepreneurship and leadership that resonate beyond football.

The documentary also provides insight into how professional sports evolved during the 1990s. The changes Jerry Jones made to the Cowboys influenced how other teams operate and how fans experience professional football.

Whether you're interested in sports, business, American culture, or just good storytelling, this Netflix documentary offers something valuable. It's entertaining enough to hold your attention while being informative enough to teach you something new.

The first season sets up what promises to be an ongoing exploration of one of America's most fascinating sports franchises and the man who transformed it. If you haven't watched it yet, "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" deserves a spot on your Netflix queue.

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Have you watched "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" on Netflix yet? What did you think of Jerry Jones's story and the Dallas Cowboys' journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more reviews of the latest Netflix documentaries and sports content.