As the football season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys made a splash in Los Angeles with the premiere of the Netflix documentary America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys.
Exploring the Legacy of the ’90s Dallas Cowboys
As the football season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys made a splash in Los Angeles with the premiere of the Netflix documentary America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys.
Documenting an Iconic Era
This series chronicles the triumphs and tribulations of the ’90s Cowboys, featuring owner Jerry Jones and star players like Troy Aikman, Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. Interviews with breakout players from that era, the Jones family, and notable media figures such as Al Michaels, Andrea Kremer, and Skip Bayless enrich the narrative.
Directors’ Vision
Brothers Chapman and Maclain Way, known for their work on the Untold series, direct this documentary. Maclain described it as “the project for a lifetime” after Netflix invited them to lead the effort.
Maclain emphasized the importance of presenting a balanced view of the Cowboys’ history, stating, “This team had a reputation not just for their talent but also for being the ‘bad boys’ of the NFL, with numerous suspensions and arrests. We aimed to portray a complete and accurate picture, celebrating both the highs and the lows.”
Comparisons to ‘The Last Dance’
The project has drawn early comparisons to The Last Dance, which also offers an in-depth look at ’90s sports icons. Chapman noted, “While we admire The Last Dance, we believe our documentary stands on its own, capturing the essence of an iconic ’90s sports team.”
Reflecting on the Past
During the premiere, Emmitt Smith reflected on the significance of revisiting their past, stating, “It felt good to relive it. We often forget to reflect on our hard work and accomplishments.”
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Behind the Scenes
David Ellison, the new owner of Paramount, attended the event, marking his first appearance since taking over. The Way brothers praised Skydance as “the best partners filmmakers could ask for.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, shared her enthusiasm for the project, recounting her eagerness to secure the rights to tell the Cowboys’ story.
America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys will begin streaming on August 19 on Netflix.
