'I'm Treated Like a King!' Dallas Cowboys Ex Jason Hatcher On 'America's Team' - 'The Gift That Keeps On Giving!'

'I'm Treated Like a King!' Dallas Cowboys Ex Jason Hatcher On 'America's Team' - 'The Gift That Keeps On Giving!'

The Dallas Cowboys have had a few challengers for their title of "America's Team" over the years, but no one has truly been able to knock them off the throne.

No matter what happens on the field, the Cowboys have always dominated media coverage across the NFL. Even if that coverage is often scathing, as talking heads will never pass up a chance to badmouth the Cowboys, they are still the most talked about team year after year.

Perhaps no one feels the effects of the Cowboys' popularity more than the players. That level of attention isn't for everyone, but many players embrace the spotlight that comes with playing in Dallas. One such player is former Cowboys defensive lineman Jason Hatcher, who spoke about Dallas' status as "America's Team" on Outkick's Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich.

The Cowboys' iconic star helmet

"It’s a proven thing right now," Hatcher said. "… You got to understand, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, I call it the gift that keeps on giving. I’ve been retired seven, eight years now. I’m still treated like a king. I go places. I’m treated well. People got to understand that."

When asked if the Cowboys' popularity has waned due to their nearly 30-year Super Bowl drought, Hatcher remained firm in his beliefs.

"It’s the No. 1 watched organization on TV whether they win or lose. Just on top of that, what Jerry Jones does for the game of football and for the owners – share revenue and things like that. You got to crown the king when it’s time to crown the king. We’ll always be ‘America’s Team.’"

Hatcher played for the Cowboys from 2006 to 2013, and while he was a strong rotational player throughout that time, he rose to a Pro Bowl level for his final season in Dallas. The Grambling State product had a team-high 11 sacks in 2013 to go along with 15 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He would then cash in on a four-year deal with the Washington Commanders franchise, but he only played two seasons in D.C. before hanging up his cleats.

Even though he's been away from the Cowboys for a decade now, Hatcher is still seeing the effects of playing for football's most popular team.