Cunningham is schooled in Cowboys' lore

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Randall Cunningham has played against the Dallas Cowboys enough times that he knows all about his new team's traditions.

''Having a star on the side of my helmet, America's Team, God's team -- all that good stuff,'' Cunningham said. ''You've got the hole in the stadium so God can watch his team; I like that.''

Cunningham joined his former rivals in person Monday for the start of a three-day minicamp, the last get-together before training camp begins July 17.

He signed a three-year deal to back up Troy Aikman last week. Aikman greeted Cunningham with a hug and welcomed him to the team.

''He brings us stability at that position,'' Aikman said. ''Randall has won a lot of games in this league. If he's called on to play, he's a guy the team can count on.''

Aikman, a plodding runner, joked that there could be other benefits of having the top-rushing quarterback in NFL history.

''I'm sure there's a lot of people hoping that maybe he can teach me how to run around back there in the pocket,'' Aikman said.

Cunningham has played 14 seasons in Philadelphia and Minnesota. The Vikings released him June 2, making way for Daunte Culpepper to be their starter.

Had starting been the most important thing to 37-year-old Cunningham, he could've gone to Detroit to replace the injured Charlie Batch or Tampa Bay to push second-year quarterback Shaun King.

''I just like to know where I'm at,'' he said. ''I went in as a backup in Minnesota, but I knew my role. So I was able to accept it. It's the same thing here.''

Cunningham is a bit behind the curve in learning the timing-based system the Cowboys are installing. Quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson tried giving him a head start by sending him the playbook last week.

''My head is spinning a little bit,'' said Cunningham, who spent the lunch hour sitting at his locker with his playbook on his lap, highlighting play names and passing routes. ''There's so much to learn in this offense. Now I know why I signed a three-year deal.''

Coach Dave Campo is thrilled to have Cunningham.

''We felt this was an opportunity to get a guy who is a change of pace, who can do some things with the football himself under certain circumstances,'' Campo said. ''He's going to be part of our offensive scheme.''

Cunningham's most famous play against the Cowboys was in 1987, when Eagles coach Buddy Ryan had him fake a kneel-down and throw a touchdown pass, making a Philadelphia victory even more lopsided.

''Yeah, yeah, I still hear about that,'' Cunningham said. ''It's been mentioned a few times.''