'Remove Rowdy!' Dallas Cowboys Fan Petition to Fire Lovable Mascot?

One "lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan" is blaming the team's long-standing struggles on the big-faced, big-hatted mascot "Rowdy'' and has taken matters into his own hands after Sunday's heartbreaking loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

One Dallas Cowboys fan is blaming the team's struggles on a prominent hat-wearer station on the Pokes' sidelines ... no, not that one.

Perhaps venting frustration from the team's shocking 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Cowboys fan Brandon Hayes has started a petition to "Remove Rowdy" as the team's mascot. Depicted as a smiling cowboy with a comically oversized face and hat while clad in a Dallas game jersey and pants, Rowdy has been a staple at Texas Stadium/AT&T Stadium since 1996 ... which marked the beginning of a potentially ongoing streak bereft of appearances by America's Team in the NFC title game. 

Making his plea on Change.org, Hayes says he does not intend to offensive or disrespect Rowdy (or, by association, his portrayer). He does come armed with indisputable facts concerning the Cowboys' relative mediocrity since he rode his horse into town.

Rowdy the Cowboys mascot / USA TODAY SPORTS

Hayes notes the Dallas (2-1) has made only eight playoff appearances since Rowdy was introduced. The fact the Dallas won Super Bowl XXX the year before Rowdy's arrival, Hayes argues, only strengthens the idea of a curse. 

"It pains me to admit it, but we haven't made it to an NFC championship or Super Bowl since his curse came into existence," Hayes said. "This streak of bad luck cannot be ignored any longer ... The presence of a cursed mascot like Rowdy not only affects on-field performance but also takes a toll on fan morale and team spirit. We need a fresh start without this dark cloud hanging over us."

Hayes is this calling on the Cowboys to let Rowdy ride off into the sunset and work with fans to find "a new mascot who can bring positive energy and good luck back to our beloved franchise." His goals are modest (earning 101 signatures at press time en route to an initial aim of 200) but Hayes has promised to "badger" the Cowboys' public relations department if his posse reaches 10,000.

"It is time for change within our organization if we want to break free from this curse that has plagued us for far too long," Hayes writes in conclusion. "Removing Rowdy as the Dallas Cowboys mascot is a crucial step towards revitalizing our team's performance and restoring hope to the loyal fans who have stood by their side through thick and thin. Let us come together and demand a brighter future for America's Team."

Despite Hayes' best efforts, Rowdy will likely return to the team's sideline on Sunday as the Cowboys are set to battle the New England Patriots in Arlington (3:25 p.m. CT, Fox).