Despite not winning a playoff game in 12 years, and a disappointing end to last season’s 13-win campaign, the Dallas Cowboys are the prohibitive favorites to make it to the Super Bowl. And such favoritism creates all sorts of expectations.

In an effort to combat any pressure that might result from those high expectations, the Cowboys have invited world renowned movie theatre mogul and former NBA player Magic Johnson to address the team on avoiding the pitfalls of fame.

From the DALLAS MORNING NEWS:

“I told them they had the talent,” Johnson said. “They had everything in that you need to win a Super Bowl. They just have to police each other, buy into the system, buy into the team frame and make sure you be a great teammate. If they do all those things, they give themselves a chance to do it.

“You can’t win the Super Bowl today. What they have to do is come here to work on their skills and timing and get in shape. Then they have to start with the four preseason games. But then against Cleveland, that’s when it starts. Win your division and have the best record in the NFC. You can’t worry about the Super Bowl until the playoffs get here.”

To summarize: give 110 percent, take it one day at a time, crawl before you walk, don’t put the cart before the horse, and “making it rain” is overrated. If this pep talk doesn’t solve the team’s playoff woes, Wade Phillips is as good as gone after the season. Oh, wait…

I’m sure the players appreciated Johnson’s words, but this speech was about a decade too late; Michael Irvin and Nate Newton really could’ve benefited from such advice. Of course, those guys actually won playoff games (and Super Bowls, even!), so maybe hookers and blow aren’t all bad.

In less cheery news, Magic also offered his thoughts on the hometown NBA club:

“You saw the Dallas Mavericks had that window, and that window closed on them,” Magic said. “So it can close real fast.”

In a related story, Mavs owner Mark Cuban announced that he would be purchasing all Magic Johnson Theatres and turning them into “Dancing With the Stars” studios. You know, for the children.