The Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League
are a much-loved team within the borders of Texas, and far beyond. For
more than forty years the team has entertained their fans while
performing at a consistently high level. In addition to their great
success on the field, “America’s Team” has been just as successful off
the field and is considered to be one of the most valuable sports teams
in North America. Behind every great sports franchise are the fans that
support the team, no matter what. The Dallas Cowboys have had countless
fans cheering them on over the past four decades, not to mention their
own world famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and team mascot, Rowdy.
However, among all those that cheer for Cowboys football, one fan
stands alone. That fan is the late Wilford “Crazy Ray” Jones.
Sadly
on March 17, 2007, in Dallas, Texas, Wilford Jones’ cheering voice was
silenced for the last time after enduring a decade of poor health
including diabetes and congestive heart failure. He was 76. Known as
the original, unofficial mascot of the Dallas Cowboys, Crazy Ray
entertained generations of Cowboys fans. Over the years he became as
recognizable a symbol for Cowboys football as the Dallas Cowboys logo,
the lone star. Fueled by Crazy Ray’s passion for his team, countless
fans proudly wear Dallas Cowboys apparel so that they too can show
their true colours.
Crazy Ray attended the first home game of the
new Dallas Cowboys franchise in 1960. His real attachment with the team
began in 1962 when he started selling pennants at the Cowboys home
games. Outfitted in western attire, complete with chaps, six shooters
in his holsters, a vest and cowboy hat, he entertained the fans from
the side lines with magic tricks, galloping on a hobbyhorse and other
antics. His trademark whistle, a high pitched shrill, was also well
known and earned him the nickname “Whistling Ray”.
Crazy Ray is
said to have missed only three Cowboys home games in the team’s
forty-seven years of existence. Indeed, Crazy Ray is such an integral
part of Dallas Cowboys history that he has a place of honor in the fan
section of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Although
Crazy Ray never officially worked for the Cowboys franchise he was
provided with a special parking pass and granted unlimited access to
Texas Stadium for all home games.
Jerry Jones, the owners of the
Dallas Cowboys in passing along condolences to the family stated, “This
is a sad day for anyone who is a follower of the Dallas Cowboys. Ray
was the most dedicated, entertaining and passionate of Cowboys fans. He
touched thousands of lives and generations of football fans. He will
remain an important part of this team’s heritage and family”.
Wilford
“Crazy Ray” Jones was one of those people who come along every now and
again. He dedicated his life to his team and touched the lives of
countless Cowboys fans and football fans the world over. He will always
be remembered for his spirit and love of the game. There is little
doubt that the memory of Crazy Ray will live on in the hearts of Dallas
fans and football fans everywhere as well as the Dallas Cowboys
franchise.
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