Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue took the roles they are most

Courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

known for in the same year and they could go into the Hall of Fame at the same time, as well.

Voters selected the pair as Contributor candidates for 2017 enshrinement in Canton, OH.

Jones bought the Cowboys in 1989, hiring Jimmy Johnson in controversial fashion to replace Tom Landry as head coach. The duo endured a tough first season but, thanks in part to fleecing Minnesota in a deal for Herschel Walker, enjoyed a few really good seasons and two Super Bowl championships before the relationship soured.

Tagliabue succeeded long-time commissioner Pete Rozelle in 1989 and presided over one of the longest eras of labor peace in the league’s modern era.

Tagliabue and Jones join Kenny Easley as finalists for 2017 induction. Easley was announced Monday as the senior candidate.

More on this later. My initial thoughts: I think Tagliabue belongs, but as with many of these picks, I’m not sure he’s the best candidate awaiting enshrinement at this time. Regarding Jones … I’m not sure I understand this one at this time. He’s definitely involved in league matters behind the scenes but outside those first few years with Johnson, the team itself has mostly been mediocre under his watch. Why he’s a better choice than Pat Bowlen in Denver or even (as mentioned by Zoneblitz commentators Paul, Rasputin and maybe others) Cowboys scouting legend Gil Brandt, I’m not sure I understand.

 

Hall of Fame voters selected Jerry Jones and Paul Tagliabue as 2017 Contributor candidates. That's ...

  • ... Terrible. Neither of these two are obvious candidates. (40%, 12 Votes)
  • ... Meh. Tabliabue is worthy, but Jones doesn't deserve it. (33%, 10 Votes)
  • ... Great - both are well deserving. (17%, 5 Votes)
  • ... Meh. Jones is great, but what did Tagliabue do? (10%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 30

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