Barry Switzer, clearly upset about the Dallas Cowboys’ losing record, decides to find out from Steve Mariucci what his secret is. So, Switzer travels up to a 49er practice and asks Mariucci, “Coach, how is it that your team is so good? What’s your secret?”
Mariucci responds by calling Steve Young over. “Steve, who’s your father’s brother’s nephew?”
Young answers, “Why coach, that’s easy. It’s me.”
Mariucci turns to Switzer and says, “That’s the secret, Barry. A smart quarterback. You’ve got to have a smart quarterback.”
Thinking he’s finally got all the tools he needs, Switzer returns to Texas and the Cowboys workout. He promptly calls over Troy Aikman. “Aikman! Who’s your father’s brother’s nephew?” Switzer asks.
Troy looks perplexed, thinks a minute and says, “Coach, can I get back to you after practice on that one?”
Switzer (disgusted) says, “OK.”
During practice, Aikman calls over Deion Sanders. “Deion, coach just asked me the weirdest question. Who’s your father’s brother’s nephew?”
Sanders replied, “Duh! That’s easy. It’s me!”
After practice, Aikman catches up with Switzer. “Coach, I think I’ve got it. My father’s brother’s nephew is Deion Sanders.”
Switzer (angry) reprimands, “No, No, NO! You idiot!! It’s Steve Young!!!”