ESPN.com is running a feature about which NFL team should be classified as “America’s Team.” The Cowboys have held the moniker for years, but considering they haven’t gotten out of the first round of the playoffs in over a decade, ESPN apparently thinks there is some room for debate.
The Cowboys, Packers, Patriots and Steelers are the four candidates the site deems worthy of being America’s team. Matt Mosley, James Walker, Kevin Seifert and Tim Graham debate each team’s case, while Mark Schlereth and James Hasty chip in with their usual meatless comments. (Seriously, does Schlereth ever say anything that knocks your socks off?)
This is a tough debate because with so much turnover from year to year in the NFL, teams really can’t build dynasties anymore. The Patriots could be considered a dynasty this decade (although if the Steelers win another Super Bowl this decade, they should be mentioned as well), just as the Cowboys were in the early 90s. You’d almost have to go decade by decade if you want to establish who America’s team is.
But personally, I don’t think there should be an “America’s team.” There are 32 teams in the NFL and I don’t think we need to have one classified as “America’s.”
