‘Moooose’ Calls Will Continue; Johnston Stays For $7.5 Million

Dallas Cowboys fans can continue their “Moooose” calls for the next five years after fullback Daryl Johnston signed a $7.5 million contract Wednesday, fulfilling the team’s top off-season priority.

By locking up the two-time Pro Bowler, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones pacified quarterback Troy Aikman and runningback Emmitt Smith, both of whom made public pleas for Johnston to be re-signed.

Johnston, considered one of the best blocking backs in the NFL, becomes the league’s second-highest-paid fullback behind Arizona’s Larry Centers, who last week signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal.

John Elway is expected to be ready for the Denver Broncos’ training camp after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder for the second time in four years.’

The surgery was almost identical to one Elway had in January 1993, after his right shoulder bothered him during the 1992 season, when he missed four games.

Running back Gary Downs, a three-year NFL veteran, was reunited with Atlanta coach Dan Reeves, signing a one-year contract with the Falcons.

The Falcons also re-signed eight-year NFL veteran quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver to a one-year deal.

The Green Bay Packers re-signed veteran receiver Don Beebe. Beebe, who spent most of 1996 as the team’s third receiver, filled in as a starter during six mid-season games when Robert Brooks and Antonio Freeman were injured.

Quarterback Jim McMahon, who completed his 15th NFL season in a cameo role with Green Bay, said he’s retiring, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Washington Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler will visit Green Bay today as he begins to consider his dwindling options for 1997.

Meanwhile, the Redskins will meet with Shuler’s potential replacement Friday when Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler visits Redskin Park.