FRISCO, Texas – It's always the natural question every time the group gets together.
Who's Next?
And it didn't take long for that one to resurface around The Star following the Ring of Honor Walk that was introduced, which brought back 16 members to one spot.
After the ceremony was completed, Troy Aikman was asked right off the top his opinion on the next induction.
"Wow, man … there are a few," Aikman said. "I'd sure like to see Gil Brandt in the Ring of Honor. When you think of the Cowboys in the 1970s, and really the history of this franchise, you think of Tom [Landry], Tex [Schramm] and Gil. He's still such an ambassador to this organization. And then the other one is Jimmy Johnson. I've said it many times, if anyone from those teams is in the Ring of Honor, then Jimmy deserves his place as well. But as far as teammates, I'd hate to name guys but there are a couple that come to mind right away."
Aikman said he understands the exclusivity of the Ring, and mentioned that he is "overwhelmed" at times when he broadcasts games at other stadiums and sees several names in their respective Hall of Fames or Rings of Honor.
"It's not a decision I would like to make," Aikman said.
Safety Darren Woodson was asked his pick if he had one vote to put someone into the Ring of Honor.
"Oooh, you put me on the spot here?" Woodson said. "But Ed 'Too Tall' Jones comes to mind every time. He's always been a pillar in this city and always been great in the community. He was a great player at the same time. Too Tall is a guy.
"Daryl Johnston is another guy. I played with him so I'm a little biased, but Daryl Johnston raised me in this system. You talk about unselfish. He played every special team. I know Emmitt [Smith] got a lot of the love, but you can't tell me that Daryl didn't mean as much as the Triplets did to this organization from the offensive side of the ball."[embeddedad0]
Of course, that is just speculation from a couple of former players. Owner/GM Jerry Jones has long been the decision-maker for the Ring of Honor. Names such as Harvey Martin, Cornell Green, Charlie Waters, Everson Walls, Nate Newton, Jay Novacek and Bill Bates have also been tossed around as potential candidates. There will probably be a day relatively soon for DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys' all-time sack leader and perhaps Tony Romo, who holds many passing records as well.
But for now, the next Ring of Honor selection is certainly up for debate.
