NFL Blocks Cowboys From Honoring Dallas Cops With Helmet Decal

The NFL will not bend its rules, not even to let the Cowboys support the beleaguered Dallas Police Department. Since the beginning of training camp, the Cowboys have sported a sticker on the back of their helmets signaling solidarity with the department after the ambush and slaying of 5 officers...

By Stephen Young

August 12, 2016

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The NFL will not bend its rules, not even to let the Cowboys support the beleaguered Dallas Police Department.

Since the beginning of training camp, the Cowboys have sported a sticker on the back of their helmets signaling solidarity with the department after the ambush and slaying of 5 officers in early July.

The team hoped that the NFL would make an exception to its longstanding uniform policy and allow Tony Romo and friends to sport the "arm in arm" stickers during actual games. That's not going to happen.

On Thursday the team learned from the league that they will not be allowed to feature the stickers when they take on the Los Angeles Rams in their first preseason tilt Saturday night. "We really respect the NFL and their reasons for making that decision but it won't take away from our influence on unity," Jerry Jones told reporters at the team's training camp in Oxnard, California. "We made the statement and we're proud of it, but we certainly respect and will abide by the wishes of the NFL."

In July, Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and 13 family members of officers wounded or killed in July joined the team in Oxnard. The visitors linked arms with players before practice.
In a statement, the department said the team's concern for department members and their families was more important than the league's decision. "We appreciate the support of the Cowboys organization and its players. Their concern for the families of our fallen officers, the Dallas Police Department, and the City of Dallas is what matters most, and we know that support will continue for the immediate and long term future," the department said.

The team will continue to be allowed to wear the sticker during practices.

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