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Wednesday, August 27, 1997

Renfro is last-minute cut

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer

ADDISON, Texas (AP) -- The biggest surprise at the annual Dallas Cowboys kickoff luncheon was that defensive lineman Leonard Renfro wasn't introduced. He was cut Tuesday morning so a yet-to-be-named linebacker could be signed.

Renfro, a former first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, was cut because "we might do something at linebacker," said Dallas coach Barry Switzer.

"It was a tough decision because the young man did everything we asked," Switzer said. "He improved himself as a player, and I think he may be picked up by another team."

Owner Jerry Jones admitted Renfro "raised a lot of eyebrows in camp."

"He impressed us," Jones said. "But we needed an extra roster spot so we can evaluate a sixth linebacker."

The Cowboys are nervous because they are starting a rookie at weakside linebacker in Dexter Coakley out of Appalachian State.

The Cowboys, who have yet to sell out their home opener in three weeks, held their 14th annual luncheon to drum up enthusiasm for the coming season. They drew a big crowd despite some recent black eyes that included Switzer carrying a loaded gun into an airport and a rape accusation against lineman Nate Newton.

The Cowboys showed a film of last season, which ended with a playoff loss to Carolina. It was entitled "America's Team Forever."

Switzer told the crowd: "I'm more excited about this season than any since I've been head coach. An atmosphere of confidence exists at Valley Ranch. It's a swagger, a confidence that you believe in yourself."

Switzer promised the crowd "you will be proud of what you see this Sunday."

Dallas travels to Pittsburgh for Sunday's season-opener.

"Last year we started out 1-3 in September and lost all chance of being at home in the playoffs," Switzer said. "It's tough when you have to travel abroad. We want to turn that 1-3 record around and be playing at home in the playoffs."

Jones, who once said the Cowboys' season would be a failure if they didn't win the Super Bowl, wouldn't venture that far out on a limb again.

"If we have a healthy Troy Aikman all year, we can compete for a Super Bowl, particularly if we can get to the playoffs with all our fire power," he said. "We got caught a little short at Carolina, and Michael Irvin got hurt."

Jones said there was a possibility Deion Sanders might visit Valley Ranch on Thursday, an off day for the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cowboys still aren't sure when they will see Sanders this weekend.

"I assume we'll see him on Sunday," Switzer said. "We'd like for him to return punts, but he hasn't done it in awhile. If anyone can do it (with limited practice time) he can do it."