Looking ahead to what's next for the Cowboys, here are the dates of interest:

Today: Injured rookies from last year begin their off season program getting ready for the season

That process continues for Robert Brewster and Brandon Williams on Tuesday, when they get a head start on the eight-week off-season program their teammates will begin in March. With Brewster's torn pectoral muscle healed, and Williams' torn ACL in good enough shape to begin simple leg work, the players are ready to start moving past their respective rehab stages. Stephen Hodge, who had the more invasive microfracture surgery for his knee injury, is a bit farther behind, but continues to work with trainers and strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek to complete his own comeback.

After their individual injuries, each player faces a different timeline to get back to 100 percent.

Feb. 24-March 2 -- NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Ind.

March 5 -- Free agency begins.

April 22-24 -- NFL Draft, New York City. NOTE: Link is referring to NFL.com draft page.  It is still reflecting last years draft, but should change to this years draft soon.

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for their first Super Bowl victory.  I thought it was a well played game.

The onside kick at halftime was the turning point in the game.  Momentum definitely shifted at that time.  The Saints started slow in the first half, but after the so-called halftime entertainment, they just seemed they were the team to beat.

Not much to get into about the game, so congratulations!

Ok, halftime entertainment wasn't that great.  I loved a few of the songs by The Who, but I just didn't think it was even a good show.  Lot of people would have liked to seen someone from this generation, but I wouldn't have even watched it then.  Used to be a big part of the Super Bowl, but it isn't as big anymore.  Blame Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake with wardrobe malfunction.

Now, what to do for the off season!!  I guess I will watch some NASCAR.  Go #14, Tony Stewart!!  But now that I have the NFL Network, I may get to pay more attention to the off season moves of the teams better.

I can already tell you that I wish they didn't change the NFL Draft to a three day/night format.  The first round will be held on Thursday night, April 22 at 7:30 PM ET.  Rounds two and three Friday night, April 23 at 6:30 PM ET and Rounds four through seven on Saturday April 24 at 10:00 AM ET.  That might work for everyone else, but I work evenings.  I would have figured the weekend was more accessible to everyone.

"We continue to look for ways to make the draft more accessible to more fans," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "Moving the first round to prime time on Thursday night will make the first round of the draft available to fans on what is typically the most-watched night of television."

But the fact they have record numbers in 2009, this doesn't make sense.

The 2009 NFL Draft (Saturday, April 25-Sunday, April 26) drew a record 39 million viewers on NFL Network, ESPN and ESPN2. Total NFL Draft viewership increased 66 percent from 2001 to 2009 (from 23.5 million to 39 million).

Quit messing with things, and keep it the same way.

The Cowboys after the 2007 were considered Super Bowl favorites for 2008, but they missed the playoffs.  Will the Cowboys be considered favorites for 2010 after this past season?  There is hope, but still need to see how the Cowboys do in free agency and the draft.  I am sure the team will have high goals since Super Bowl XLV will be held at Cowboys Stadium.

The players and owners had better find some way to reach an agreement before 2011.  If anything, you are putting at risk the loyal fans that support you.  We may come back, but we don't want to miss any football.  I just wish I could have just one paycheck that they get.

• Jerry Rice
• Russ Grimm
• Rickey Jackson
• John Randle
• Floyd Little
• Dick Lebeau