Last we heard of Jay Novacek, the ol’ Cowboys cowboy retired to his ranch in Wyoming, herdin’ cattle and tendin’ to his young'uns. Update: WTF? Apparently Novacek is attempting to use his 6-foot-4 athleticism for further athletic glory, qualifying for the main draw of the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Dallas Open beach volleyball tournament this week at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
From his five Pro Bowls, 422 catches and three Super Bowl rings, we know the former tight end can catch. But can he serve? And, for a born-and-bred country boy more at home on the range than on the sand, can he dig? We’ll see, as Novacek and partner and 2004 Olympian Riley Salmon open play in this morning’s qualifying. Even if Novacek fails in his volleyball debut, the event is still worth a gander. Karch Kiraly, the winningest player in volleyball history, will be there, along with the No. 1 women’s team of Misty May and Kerri Walsh. Beach volleyball hasn’t been to these parts since 1999. For a quick refresher, be prepared for lots of this. --Richie Whitt
