FRISCO - Calvin Hill was the first 1,000-yard rusher in Dallas Cowboys' history. Fans were appalled and flabbergasted when, in 1976, he left for the team's arch nemesis: the then-Washington Redskins.
The thought of a Cowboy playing for the Redskins was jarring. These days, however, it's become a simple game of tit for tat. Dante Fowler Jr. returning to the Cowboys is just the latest chess move in the new-age rivalry with the Commanders.
Dan Quinn was Dallas' successful defensive coordinator before leaving to become head coach in Washington. He took with him several players - including Fowler, defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong, center Tyler Biadasz and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene - and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt.
When the teams met last season in D.C. 10 former Cowboys and players were on the Commanders' sideline.
Fowler is a perfect example of the sign of the times, as he will now alternate between the two bitter rivals for three consecutive seasons.
Oh, and know that Fowler himself is pretty fired up, the result of him believing he was wrongly overlooked in the early days of free agency.
The Cowboys need a lot of help if they are improve on last season's 7-10 disaster. The fastest way to help new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is, of course, with an influx of new talent. Or, as the case may be, the return of some old talent.
With injuries to DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys' pass rush drastically declined in 2024. The loss of Fowler didn't help. He left to join Quinn in Washington, and helped the Commanders' surprising run to the NFC Championship Game with 10.5 sacks while playing in all 17 regular-season games.
Pretty good production from a player signed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract. Again a free agent, Fowler is expected to receive more interest this Spring.
