Dear Roy Williams

Roy, I know you don’t know me from Adam. We’ve never met and, to the best of my knowledge, we’ve only been in the same room once. You went to school with my nephew and know my sister and niece, but none of that gives me the right to offer advice on how you run your life.
   Still, like so many others who make a living writing about others, I’ve got some words you might do well to take to heart.
   First off, catch the ball. You can’t make noise about your “role” and then drop the ball.
   Second, your role is to be the face of the Dallas Cowboys franchise.
   I’m sure nobody has explained this to you, but you’re supposed to be this team’s version of Michael Irvin. Just like Tony Romo is supposed to be Troy Aikman, and Marion Barber is supposed to be Emmitt Smith.
   That’s what Jerry Jones wants. The second coming of the Holy Trinity.
   The problem is that Jones thinks the latest incarnation has the talents of the first trio. And it doesn’t.
   Don’t get me wrong, Roy. I’d take you and Barber on my team. (I haven’t decided if the offense’s inconsistency is on Romo or play caller Jason Garrett.) You and Barber are both very good players. But you’re not Hall of Famers.
   I know, Roy, that many people have let you know in various ways that you’re supposed to replace Terrell Owens in the Cowboys scheme. But I think you missed one of the memos. For instance, it seems as if you think replacing T.O. also includes saying some silly things from time to time. Like that one about knowing your role.
   Don’t be silly like that. Your role is to win games, make catches like that one in Detroit when you bobbled it several times and make Romo look good.
   I realize you have tremendous pressure on you. But the best way to handle it from a public relations standpoint is to just show up and work your tail off. And don’t say anything beyond the standard sports clich￩s.
   You know, you did this to yourself. You made that behind-the-back grab in training camp in 2005 and a few one-handed grabs in Detroit, so Cowboys fans expect that every time. Look, every receiver drops passes, but Dallas fans don’t see it that way.
   You grew up here. You know I’m telling the truth.
   People still expect you to be the best athlete on the field like you were in high school and college. They forget that NFL defensive backs are every bit as athletic as you are.
   I’m sorry everyone thinks you run a 4.1. I’m sorry nothing short of two touchdowns a game is good enough for the fans out here. I’m sorry people look for reasons to bash you. But you played at Permian and UT. Aren’t you used to it to some degree?
   My best advice is for you to seek out Drew Pearson and ask him how to be successful as the No. 1 receiver for America’s Team. It’s all about class, hard work and professionalism. The results will come if you do those things.
   We’re still rooting for you. Good luck.