Dallas City News

We are at day 84 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 84.

In 1984, Harvey Roberts “Bum” Bright bought the Dallas Cowboys from Clint Murchison, Jr. for the total of $85 million.

Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images

During Bright’s inaugural season as the owner of the Cowboys, the team achieved a commendable 10-6 record and secured a spot in the playoffs. However, their journey was cut short as they were eliminated in the first round. Unfortunately, this marked the pinnacle of Bright’s success, as the team experienced a gradual decline in the next subsequent seasons. Regrettably, his final year concluded with a disappointing 3-13 record for the team.

In 1988, Bright faced a severe financial setback, experiencing an estimated loss of $29 million following the collapse of First Republic Bank Corporation. Consequently, in 1989, Bright decided to sell the franchise to Jerry Jones for the amount of $140 million, marking the commencement of the Jones era in Dallas. Under Jones’ ownership, significant transformations were implemented within the team, one of which involved the dismissal of the team’s longstanding and legendary head coach, Tom Landry.

Set Number: X37916 TK1 R3 F3

In 2016, Jones disclosed that Bright had proposed dismissing Landry prior to Jones assuming the role of the Cowboys’ new owner. Jones stated that Bright was aware of the potential backlash from the media and fans if Landry was let go, and so Bright looked to alleviate that pressure from Jones.

Bright generously supported Texas A&M by making numerous financial contributions throughout his life. His legacy lives on through two buildings on the university’s campus named after him: the Bright Football Complex and the H. R. “Bum” Bright Building. Unfortunately, Bright passed away in December 2004.

Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (39 days to go).