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Former Player Who Suited Up for Both Eagles and Cowboys Publicly Supports Eagles – After What He Got in Return from Cowboys Despite All He Gave

Former Player Who Suited Up for Both Eagles and Cowboys Publicly Supports Eagles – After What He Got in Return from Cowboys Despite All He Gave

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 NFL season opener, former linebacker Darrin Smith, who once played for both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, has stirred controversy by publicly declaring his support for the Eagles — the bitter rival of his former Super Bowl-winning team.

2007 Ultra Football Retail #148 L.J. Smith - Philadelphia Eagles | eBay

Smith, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys in the 1990s, took to social media to express his frustration with how things ended in Dallas:

"I bled, sweated, and fought for Dallas. Two Super Bowls don’t come by luck. But they tossed me aside — no thank you, no respect. I’m a man, and I can’t support an organization that disregards what I gave up for them."

As a key part of the legendary Cowboys defense in the early '90s, Smith was known for his speed, intelligence, and consistency. However, after his rookie contract ended, disputes over salary led to a bitter split — and eventually, he signed with the Eagles.

Although his time in Philadelphia was shorter, Smith says the Eagles treated him with the respect the Cowboys failed to show. With Dallas and Philly set to clash in the season opener, Smith didn’t hold back:

"I’m rooting for the Eagles. Not because of the jersey — but because of how they respect their players."

His words have sparked major debate across NFL fanbases, particularly among Cowboys loyalists. Yet they also shine a light on a deeper, long-standing tension between the Cowboys front office and some of the veterans who once helped build their dynasty.

Despite 44-30 Win Over Cowboys, Lions Lose Their Most Important Defensive Pillar After He Suffers Knee Injury and Has to Be Carted Off the Field
Detroit, Michigan – Ford Field erupted after the convincing 44–30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but that joy was quickly overshadowed by worry. Detroit didn’t just earn a big win — they lost one of the most important pillars of their defense. Safety Brian Branch, the man widely regarded as the soul of the secondary, suffered a serious injury late in the fourth quarter. The incident happened when Branch dove to make a tackle on a Cowboys offensive play and immediately went down, clutching his right knee in obvious pain. Silence fell over the stadium as the medical staff rushed in. Teammates formed a circle around him, many with heads bowed in prayer. Within minutes, any hope of him walking off under his own power vanished as the cart was brought onto the field to take him away. According to ESPN, this is being viewed as “another significant injury for Detroit,” especially with a Lions defense already missing several key pieces. Before leaving the field, Branch had played brilliantly: 6 tackles, 1 pass defended, and 1 quarterback hit. Those numbers only underscore his impact and the severity of what the Lions now face if he is sidelined long-term. After the game, Dan Campbell entered the press conference with a noticeably heavier expression despite the big win. When asked about Branch’s condition, he tried to stay composed but his voice carried deep concern. “He’s the heartbeat of our defense, the guy who brings energy and stability every time he steps on the field. It’s really hard to see him in that kind of pain, especially when we know how relentlessly he fights. We’re just praying for good news and we’ll be right there with him no matter what happens.” The Lions leave Ford Field at 8–5, strengthening their playoff position. But the moment Brian Branch was carted off the field left a void bigger than any loss. For Detroit, the win over the Cowboys matters, but the future of their defense now hinges on the severity of this injury. All of Lions Nation is holding its breath waiting for news about their quiet hero.