Dallas faces Philadelphia in a season opener under a shade of the Cowboys’ long shadow and an Eagles banner. The marquee story is Micah Parsons’ trade to Green Bay for two future first-round picks and Kenny Clark, a move born from a contract dispute more than dollars. Dallas’ defense loses its edge rusher, while the team’s identity as America’s Team remains a public spectacle even as playoff hopes fade.

The piece traces a dynasty arc from the Herschel Walker trade to Netflix-era sizzle, arguing Jerry Jones built a brand where headlines often outrun title chances. Yet Dallas’ pull endures—the biggest draw in the NFL—stoking a soap-opera myth that sustains the franchise even as the trophy case stays sparse.