There are several people in everyone’s life that are just perfect. They are great at what they do, pleasant to be around, never complain, and they help others. Sometimes we actually dislike those people because they make us ashamed that we are not like them. Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is the golden boy among those people. Witten is one of the best tight ends in the game, he is a comical individual, and he is one of the most active NFL players off the field in his respective community.

This summer, Witten hosted his 8th annual youth football camp in his hometown of Elizabethton, Tennessee. The camp is called SCORE, the name of Witten’s foundation, which works against domestic violence and promotes education in Texas and Tennessee.  SCORE is an acronym for Support, Community, Overcome, Rebuild, and Educate. In 2008, Witten started the SCOREkeepers program, which places positive male mentors on staff at six family abuse shelters across Texas. Witten’s positive influence has not gone unnoticed. In 2007, Witten was a finalist for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and won the Home Depot Neighborhood MVP in 2009.

My favorite part about Witten is not his exhausting generosity and kindness toward those less fortunate than him, but his sheer toughness. One play during the 2007 season illustrates the sturdiness of not only Witten’s body, but his mindset as well. On second-and-nine from the Cowboys’ 41-yard line, quarterback Tony Romo dropped back and drilled a pass to Witten on a skinny post pattern. Almost instantly after catching the ball, Eagles defensive back Quintin Mikell hit Witten helmet-to-helmet and sent the Cowboys’ stud’s hat flying. Witten was not phased in the slightest, and kept right on running with his arm extended like a fullback bound for the pylon. Eagles defensive back Will Peterson was trailing Witten, and wanted no part of tackling him after such a feat. Philadelphia linebacker Chris Gocong finally chased Witten down to the sideline after a 35-yard gain. Witten’s inspiring effort left viewers and anyone who saw the replay in awe. The most incredible part of his performance was the fact there was less than thirteen minutes left in the game and Dallas was leading by 25 points.

Witten’s astonishing dash downfield earned him an award coveted by guys like Pittsburgh Steelers legendary linebacker Jack Lambert, who had fewer teeth than an anteater. Following that 2007 season, Witten was named the Howie Long Toughest Man in the NFL. Witten was also named the Dallas Cowboys Man of the Year in 2007 and 2008.

Many sportscasters like to discuss who the best player is at each position in the league or best overall on each NFL team. The league should form a new award named after Witten that goes to the most inspirational player each season. The award should not be presented to the toughest or nicest player, but to an individual like Witten. The nominees should demonstrate all the qualities previously mentioned and maybe even more. Of course, such a prize would not be created until after Witten retires, but the blueprints and requisites for the trophy would reflect the future Hall of Famer’s character. Such character is one that we should all fashion ourselves after.

I’m not sure If I believe it, but last week Owner/GM Jerry Jones says the Cowboys are “ready to go” with the safeties they have on the team. With O.J. Atogwe still looking for a home, my instincts say that Jones is just trying to stay low key on his intentions with Atogwe.

There are plenty of teams looking for Atogwe’s services this upcoming season, none of which have been linked to the Cowboys. If Dallas were to bring in Atogwe, it would sure up a defensive backfield that has had plenty of problems in the past. The team must be pretty confident in our youngsters if they’re aren’t even entertaining the idea of bringing in a proven vet.

The price tag Atogwe wants may be the reason teams haven’t pulled the trigger on signing him. He wants somewhere in the range of seven million a year. He’s an elite safety, but not that elite. I know bringing him would inhibit the growth of some of the younger guys in big D, but for an immediate upgrade we should consider signing him.

There hasn’t been much to work with for free agents this offseason as far as safeties go. Sharper would have been an upgrade, but he was old and coming off an injury. Atogwe is still young (28) and he could have his best years with a star on his helmet.

I’m not saying we should definitely sign him, but the front office better take a long hard look at this guy. If this upcoming season our safeties are getting torched by the likes of the Colts, Vikings, and Saints (all of whom are on our schedule) I’m going to look at this missed opportunity as a key source to our problems.

The Bobby Carpenter era in Dallas has finally come to an end. This was long overdue, as he was one of the biggest busts the Cowboys have had in years. Parcells did a lot of good drafting in his tenure, but this was definitely one he got wrong. Carpenter was never a fit for the 3-4 defensive scheme the Cowboys run.

Trading Bobby Carpenter for Alex Barron gives the boys’ that much more depth on the offensive line. Both are considered “busts”, but the jury is still out on both of them. A change of scenery for Barron and a change of scheme for Carpenter, could be just what the doctor ordered.

We know that Barron has started at both left tackle and right tackle. This increases his value to the Cowboys tremendously. Another swing tackle on the team would really help in case of an injury down the road. We also have one of, if not the best, offensive line coaches in Hudson Houck. A tinker here and there and maybe Barron could give Doug Free a run for his money at left tackle in training camp.

The offensive lines depth is pretty solid now. Granted, none of our backups are pro bowlers, but I like the mix of younger guys with potential. I think Barron can possibly turn his career around in Dallas like Leonard Davis.

If you remember a few years back when we acquired Davis, he was considered a bust. After being drafted 2nd overall in the 2001 draft, he never really panned out for the Cardinals. When he came to Dallas everything changed. He switched positions and now Davis has become a perennial pro bowler. Maybe Barron can have the same kind of luck.

Either way I am thoroughly pleased with the trade. We didn’t need Carpenter now that we drafted Sean Lee. Dallas gave Carpenter a chance to resurrect his career. While getting rid of a player the Cowboys don’t need, they addressed a position of need. Instead of releasing Carpenter, we at least got some value for him. Even if Barron is only a backup, I think he will contribute more this season than Carpenter would have.

If the season started today, the Dallas Cowboys would be fine with the safeties they have on their team. I have been the biggest advocate of letting our younger players develop and let them fill the void Ken Hamlin left. That being said, I think picking up Darren Sharper, for a reasonable price, would turn a position we’re just ‘fine’ at to a position of strength.

The future Hall of Famer, Darren Sharper is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He’s also coming off a knee surgery and that can be scary enough to shy away from him all together. If the Cowboys decide he’s going to come back strong, why wouldn’t they entertain the idea of acquiring him?

Our young guys have definite potential. I’ve said in other blogs, Alan Ball completely exceed expectations last season. Ball started some games last season and played surprisingly well. The one thing missing from our stellar defense though was takeaways. Darren Sharper almost had as many interceptions by himself (9), than our whole team (11). We need a safety that can play deep and that’s a ball-hawk.

If we sign Sharper and he’s beat out by one of the younger guys, so be it. We can release him and let him go elsewhere. I’m sure we would never tell him that when and if we sign him, but position battles are the theme of this offseason. The boys’ don’t have many needs on defense, but I would say safety is the only position that is sort of a question mark on the defensive side of the ball.

What I mean is, at this point it’s hard to tell who’s going to start at that position. I’m unsure if that’s a good thing or bad thing. I guess my point is that Darren Sharper can still play at high level. He’s not a permanent fix at safety, but he does allow for more competition and more time for the younger guys to develop if need be.

The only thing I’m trying to convey is that we should take a long look at Darren Sharper. I’m not saying we “have” to have him to be a contender for the Super Bowl. Jerry Jones should at least flirt with the idea though. Sharper could be that missing piece. What do you guys think?

This hasn’t been the most glamorous of offseasons’ for the Cowboys. In fact, this is arguably the most quiet Cowboys offseason I can remember in recent years. One thing I learned last year though, addition by subtraction can be just as effective as any big splash.

Besides the Gaither trade rumors (which have yet to die) or the the comtemplation of one of our running backs getting traded, the Cowboys could be described as living under the radar. Before earlier this month, when we released Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin, most Cowboys fans were only concerned with the draft and resigning Miles Austin.

Even now, as we have definite areas to address (LT & FS), things seem unusually quiet around valley ranch. I personally like having many of our starting spots locked up, especially as you see teams around the division making moves left and right. I think with McNabb in Washington, the Cowboys are the unquestionable favorite to take the division again.

Let’s reflect on last year though. We got rid of T.O. and now with Austin, you see why. I’d love for one of our in house safety’s to step up like Miles did this year. That may be a bit of stretch, since Austin had a year that even some of the best receivers in the NFL would love to have. Hey, I can dream though.

Another great move was trading Anthony Henry. Mike Jenkins stepped up big time and is arguably the best corner we have on the team. Not to mention, getting some insurance in Kitna if Romo had to miss a couple games. The thing I love the most is how we’re getting younger and better at the same time.

I have complete faith in our front office. I know they’ll show us this coming year that the players that aren’t here…are not here for a reason. Addition by Subtraction doesn’t mean you don’t get anyone at all. What it means is the biggest moves we make this offseason, could be the ones that don’t add to the roster.

We knew it was only a matter of time. With speculation swirling and the draft right around the corner, these recent releases of Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin were less than shocking. What this means is the Cowboys have clear cut positions to address with their picks this year.

Safety and Offensive lineman are the main priorities with their first few picks in the 2010 draft. What many thought (including myself), was the Cowboys would draft the best player available (within reason) with their first couple of picks. However, with these recent developments, the Cowboys actually have needs.

Which is more important? I think that question lingers on the minds of many Cowboys fans. I don’t really think you can look at it from that standpoint though. It will really comes down to who’s still on the board when the Cowboys get to pick at no. 27.

I personally think if a quality player is available at both positions, lineman should be more important than safety. Our roster suggests our secondary is actually not as thin as you might think. Like I’ve said on other blogs, Alan Ball came in and played better than Ken Hamlin. The former 7th round pick, not only has a chance to start, but also to get paid if he performs well.

The other guy is the less popular Hamlin, Michael Hamlin. He was a fifth round pick in 2009. He played a minimal role last year with an injury plagued season. All I keep hearing though, is this guy is for real. He’s a serious playmaker and could give Ball and whoever else we draft, a run for their money this season to start.

Now when you flip the script and think about our lineman that could potentially fill the void, besides Doug Free, I draw a blank. The verdict is still out on Free too, because all his starts last year were at right tackle not left. He was mauled by Jared Allen in the playoffs at left tackle.

Granted Jared Allen is arguably the best in the game, but we better be sure we have someone guarding our quarterback’s blindside with no viable backup quarterback in place. Well, no proven backup at least. I want Jerry to make good on his word to create serious competition at those positions (Safety & Lineman) because to me they’re two of the most important positions on the field.

We can’t rule out Jerry Jones trading up to grab a player he’s really high on, but I just don’t get that feel from this offseason. Jones is always unpredictable and trying to read his mind is useless. Safety or Lineman? You’ve heard my position, what do you think?

The NFL has finally decided to take a look at the way overtime procedures take place. At the owners meetings, they will only be looking to change the way overtime is played in the playoffs. If you ask me this is long overdue. The fact that both teams don’t get an opportunity to score has always bugged me.

One of the big proposed changes would be that the team who receives the ball on the opening drive would only be able to win with a touchdown. If they kick and make a field goal, the other team has a chance to answer that field goal or win the game with a touchdown. If tied at the end of the first overtime, they would proceed with the original first team to score wins blueprint. The new proposed changes would have the most effect on the opening drive.

This makes perfect sense to me. All great games have a rebuttal rule. Unless a flawless opening drive occurs that results in a six spot, each quarterback should be able to touch the football.

For three or not for three…that is the question. Do we really think that teams should win on a first score first win basis, even if it’s only a measley three pointer? I’m surprised it has taken this long to even question this joke of a rule. I do understand the argument though.

In the current overtime rules, it’s not like the team without the ball to start is completely hopeless. There was this thing in the origins of football people used to play called DEFENSE. We have become such an offense minded league, we forget that teams can make a stop and give their offense the chance to win.

Ask Aaron Rogers how fun it was to get the ball first this year against the Cardinals. You could even ask Matt Hasselbeck how fun it was in 2004 against the Packers. I think we all remember his “We want the ball and we’re going to score” comment that ended in a nighmare. Either way, I can see the arguments for keeping the current system.

The current system has it’s flaws as does the changes to the overtime rules they’re proposing. If nothing else,  the changes would be most beneficial to the fans. That’s what it’s all about right? Its all about the money and they say the customers always right.

Fans love offense. The owners would be remiss in their work, if they didn’t take heed of the fans clamoring for change. Will it be a flawless system? No. Will it be an exciting new change? Yes. Should we implement this system into the regular season? Absolutely not. This should only be used for the big stage. A stage where champions are made…the postseason.

The owners should take a long look at the pros/cons of this change. They should decide what’s best for the fans and the league. A three year trial period would give ample time to decide if this is a solution or just another problem. The Not so Fun League could really help their image with this intriguing adjustment.

Greg Ellis was released from the Oakland Raiders Monday, only one year into his two year contract. It’s not hard to imagine considering Ellis is 34 years old and the Raiders are probably trying to get younger. Ellis says a reunion with the team that drafted him could be a possible landing spot.

Ellis didn’t have a terrible year though. He had seven sacks last season, despite having to deal with injuries. Either way, Ellis has expressed a desire to finish things where he started it. He wants to come back to big D.  Ellis wants to wear that star and Cowboys blue again. Despite his age, I think the Cowboys should see if they can work a reasonable contract out.

The front office should consider bringing Ellis back for a couple of reasons, one is his experience.  We drafted some younger guys last year like Victor Butler, who we hope will be a solid back up and maybe a starter one day. Ellis gives us an opportunity for them to develop and learn what being an NFL player is all about. With his knowledge of the game, he can help bring these younger guys along and teach them things only veterans know.

Another reason the boys’ should pick up Ellis, is the depth it brings. If we can get Ellis at a reasonable price, we should grab him because the guy can still get after the quarterback. He would be a perfect third down pass rusher. Ellis says he’s ready for a reserve role. Anytime you can get a proven pass rusher it’s a plus. When you add that to the fact he spent twelve years with us, the loyalty factor comes in to play.

Ellis can still play the game at a high level. Maybe not on every snap like the old days, but he’s still got what it takes to bring a quarterback down. If nothing else, he would give us great depth and make people work harder knowing they have a guy who could possibly take their job. I think he would be a great pickup. He gave us twelve solid years, the least we could do is give him one more to see what he’s made of.