Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys: A Chronology of Misadventures

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, have had their fair share of memorable moments. However, there have also been some truly bizarre and unfortunate incidents that have left an indelible mark on the team's history. One of the most infamous of these occurred in 1977, when a daredevil stunt pilot known as "Captain Crash" crashed his plane into the Cotton Bowl during a halftime show.

Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys: From Sideline to Goal Line with Cliff Harris

by Cliff Harris

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13064 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	202 pages
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Captain Crash, whose real name was George E. Thomas, was a well-known figure in the world of stunt flying. He had performed at numerous air shows and events, and was known for his daring and often reckless maneuvers. On October 2, 1977, he was hired to perform a halftime show at the Cotton Bowl, where the Cowboys were playing the Minnesota Vikings.

Thomas's plan was to fly his Pitts Special S-2 biplane through a series of dangerous stunts, including flying upside down and performing a "corkscrew" maneuver. However, things went terribly wrong when Thomas misjudged his speed and altitude, and crashed his plane into the stadium's upper deck. The impact caused the plane to burst into flames, and Thomas was killed instantly. Miraculously, no one else was injured in the accident.

The crash sent shockwaves through the NFL and beyond. It was the first time that a stunt pilot had died during a halftime show, and it led to a number of new safety regulations for air shows. The Cowboys were also deeply affected by the tragedy, and they retired Thomas's number (6) in his honor.

In the years since the crash, Captain Crash has become a cult figure among Cowboys fans. His daredevilry and tragic death have made him a symbol of both the excitement and the danger of professional football. The crash also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in all aspects of life.

Other Notable Mishaps

The Captain Crash incident is just one of many bizarre and unfortunate events that have occurred in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Here are a few other notable mishaps:

• The Starck Club Incident (1985): In 1985, several Cowboys players were involved in a brawl at the Starck Club in Dallas. The incident led to the suspension of several players, including running back Tony Dorsett.
• The Super Bowl Shuffle (1986): In 1986, the Cowboys released a music video called the "Super Bowl Shuffle." The video, which featured the team's players dancing and rapping, was a huge hit, but it also drew criticism for its arrogance. The Cowboys went on to lose Super Bowl XX to the Chicago Bears, and the "Super Bowl Shuffle" is now widely considered to be one of the worst sports-related music videos of all time.
• The Bounty Bowl (1989): In 1989, the Cowboys were accused of placing bounties on opposing players. The scandal led to the suspension of several players, including defensive end Charles Haley.
• The Pacman Jones Incident (2007): In 2007, Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones was involved in a shooting at a Las Vegas nightclub. The incident led to Jones being suspended for the entire 2007 season.
• The Greg Hardy Incident (2015): In 2015, Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy was convicted of domestic violence. The incident led to Hardy being suspended for 10 games.

These are just a few of the many bizarre and unfortunate events that have occurred in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys remain one of the most popular and successful teams in the NFL. Their fans are loyal and passionate, and they continue to pack the stands every Sunday, hoping to witness both the glory and the occasional mishap.

Captain Crash and the Dallas Cowboys: From Sideline to Goal Line with Cliff Harris

by Cliff Harris

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13064 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	202 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE