Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie O’Pelt.
Hi Jamie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Star Mobile One: My Journey as a Dallas Cowboys Super Fan and the Builder & Owner of Star Mobile One By Jamie O’Pelt
Being a Dallas Cowboys fan isn’t something I chose—it’s something that’s always been a part of me. As a native Texan and lifelong resident of the Dallas–Fort Worth area, I grew up with the Cowboys in my blood, almost as if it wasn’t a decision you made; it was just part of who you were.
My love for the team began in 1979, when I was seven years old. My dad took me to my first Cowboys game—a game against the Los Angeles Rams. We won 30–6 that day, and that’s when the spark ignited. I didn’t know it then, but that afternoon would offer significant input into many aspects for the rest of my life.
A few years later, my parents divorced, and Sundays watching the Cowboys became something more. The players became my role models—the men of the house when things felt uncertain, I could count on these guys…Randy White, Bob Breunig, Larry Cole, John Dutton, Harvey Martin, Thomas Henderson, Ed Jones… they weren’t just names on jerseys; they were examples of toughness, commitment, and pride. Later, it was guys like Tony Tolbert, Nate Newton, Erik Williams, Mark Tuinei, Mark Stepnoski, and Russell Maryland who carried that torch for me.
I’ve experienced it all as a Cowboys fan—the highs of Super Bowl victories, the heartbreaks of tough seasons, and the long championship drought. I lived through the glory of the 90s and the sting of that 1–15 season in 1989, when a local grocery store had to buy up tickets just to keep games from being blacked out on TV. Through every era, my loyalty never wavered. I didn’t jump on the bandwagon—I’ve been riding it through every bump, climb, and celebration for nearly five decades.
A New Passion on Parallel Tracks
While my love for the Cowboys has always run deep, another passion took hold as I got older—cars. I was never the guy who could look at the front of a car and name the year and model, but I always wanted to build one from the ground up. In 2017, that opportunity finally came when I discovered Factory Five Racing, a company in Massachusetts that offered a 1933 Ford replica kit.
They provided everything except the engine, transmission, wheels, and tires—and offered the guidance of a 750-page assembly manual, a three-day Build School & an amazing online community of builders to help along the way. I knew right away that starting with new parts, with clear guidance, was the right way for me to go, opposed to trying to find an old “gem” in a junkyard somewhere. So in March of 2017, I started building what would eventually become Star Mobile One.
The project began with a custom-welded steel chassis and eleven gel-coated fiberglass body panels. Over 3,500 components and about a mile and a half of wiring. Two years of evenings and weekends led to a successful go-kart test stage, after which I teamed up with 121 Rod & Restoration in Trenton, Texas, for final bodywork, fit-up, and paint. Leo’s Upholstery in McKinney helped me bring my custom interior design to life.
When the car came home in November 2019, I could hardly believe it. Star Mobile One was finally complete—a Ford Performance 302 small block under the hood equipped with a Holley Sniper EFI system helps to provide over 350 horsepower to move the lightweight frame, just over 2,500 pounds. The stance is aggressive, with 18” x 8” fronts and 20” x10” rear Cragar SS wheels, wrapped in Michelin rubber.
The car’s design pays subtle tribute to the Cowboys—star-shaped AC vents and exhaust tips, a pigskin-wrapped armrest, and a bold silver, blue, and white stellar representation running the length of the body; painted, not wrapped, because I wanted it to be permanent—just like my passion for the team.
A Car with Star Power
Over time, Star Mobile One became more than just a car. It has become a tangible piece of a fans connection to the Cowboys. I’ve been fortunate to have nearly 100 current and former players sign it—Hall of Famers like Randy White, Drew Pearson, Bob Lilly, Michael Irvin, Tony Dorsett, Charles Haley, DeMarcus Ware, and Cliff Harris, as well as more recent players like Darren Woodson, Jason Witten, Zack Martin, Dak Prescott, and Tyler Smith.
Every signature connects the car—and me—to the team’s incredible legacy. Each autograph tells part of the story of America’s Team and reminds me why I fell in love with that star in the first place.
Driven to Give Back
What means the most to me, though, isn’t the power under the hood or the signatures on the car—it’s the impact Star Mobile One has helped make in my community. Since its completion, I’ve participated in more than 270 events—car shows, charity fundraisers, parades, and golf tournaments. We’ve helped raise awareness and support for youth programs, community hospitals, domestic violence victims, children with special needs, fallen officers and first responders, cancer patients, senior care facilities, and animal rescue organizations.
The car draws attention, but the purpose has always been to give back. If my passion for the Cowboys and cars can help lift someone’s spirit or make a difference in a community cause, that’s a win far bigger than any trophy.
Recognition and Reflection
Along the way, Star Mobile One has gained some amazing recognition. In 2020, it was featured in an Emmy Award–winning commercial for The Mike McCarthy Show on CBS. In 2021, Hall of Famer Randy White nominated me for the Ford Hall of Fans, which was an incredible honor. The car has appeared in Fort Worth Magazine, been featured twice on NFL on Fox’s Ultimate Fans, and showcased at major events like SportsCon in Dallas and SEMA 2022 in Las Vegas.
It’s also won nearly 100 awards and been the backdrop for over 15,000 fan photos. Seeing people—Cowboys fans and car enthusiasts alike—light up when they see the car reminds me that this project is about connection, not attention.
The Road Ahead
When people ask me what being a “Super Fan” really means, I always say this: it’s not a title you give yourself; it’s something others see in you. It’s about passion, yes, but also about what you do with it. Do you use it to lift others, to serve your community, to share the joy it brings you? That’s what truly defines a Super Fan.
As for what’s next, my mission remains simple—to continue giving back to the community I’ve always called home, keep spreading the Cowboy spirit wherever I go, and maybe, just maybe, have the honor one day of leading a Super Bowl parade when Dallas raises that sixth Lombardi Trophy.
The hope is there. Now it’s all about execution.
Star Mobile One isn’t just a car, and I’m not just a fan. Together, we’re a testament to what loyalty, craftsmanship, and community can create when they ride side by side.
________________________________________
About the Author
Jamie O’Pelt is a lifelong Dallas–Fort Worth resident, proud native Texan, and devoted Dallas Cowboys Super Fan. Combining his love for football and classic cars, Jamie built Star Mobile One, a one-of-a-kind 1933 Ford hot rod tribute to “America’s Team.” His passion extends beyond fandom—through hundreds of community events and charitable efforts, Jamie continues to represent the true spirit of the Cowboys both on and off the road.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life always brings its own challenges — but being a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan seems to add an extra target on your back for some reason!
The idea of building a car from scratch is something that tends to impress people, however, for me, it felt like a natural step — I’ve always been mechanically and technically inclined. My biggest challenge wasn’t the hands-on work, but patience. I love projects that I can start on a Friday evening and finish by Sunday night… and that’s definitely not how building a car works!
To stay motivated, I had to break the entire build into smaller, manageable projects. That mindset kept things moving forward. The next major hurdle was wiring all the electrical components and plumbing the brake and fuel lines. Thankfully, I had plenty of input and help from family and friends along the way, which made a huge difference.
People often ask, “How did you get all of those signatures?” When players are at local events, I usually reach out to whoever’s hosting and ask if I can bring the car. I never just show up uninvited. Once they see a picture of the car, they’re usually quick to say, “Bring it out — we’ll make it happen!”
I always explain that this isn’t a jersey, helmet, or football — the players actually have to be able to get to the car. I’ve even been invited to players’ homes so they could sign it.
Of course, not everyone’s a Cowboys fan (hard to believe, right?). I’ve had empty Coke cans tossed my way, gotten plenty of “fingers” — and not the “we’re number one” kind! Some folks even pull in front of me just to turn on their wiper fluid.
It usually takes me about 15 minutes to fuel up because many people want to stop, talk, and take pictures. And honestly, that’s part of what makes it all worth it. The challenges are minimal compared to the joy this car brings — both to me and to everyone who sees it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve spent over 30 years in the manufacturing industry and currently work as an Estimator for a local Contract Manufacturer. I’m fortunate that my employer has fully embraced my “hobby.” In fact, my buddy Santa Claus has even borrowed the car to make his grand entrance at our company Christmas luncheon before!
When it’s all said and done, what truly matters isn’t the accolades or the accomplishments—it’s the connections we build along the way. Community involvement lies at the core of lasting impact. Whether it’s lending a hand to someone in need, volunteering time for a good cause, or simply sharing a smile that brightens another person’s day, these small acts create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond ourselves.
Helping others and bringing joy to those around us reminds us why we do what we do. It’s in those moments—when we see a face light up with gratitude or laughter—that we realize the real reward isn’t measured in numbers or recognition, but in the lives we touch. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve never been much of a risk-taker, per se, but I’ve always believed you should bet on yourself. With hard work, a strong work ethic, and a little faith, anything’s possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: starmobileone.com
- Instagram: @starmobileone
- Facebook: Jamie O’Pelt
- Linkedin: Jamie O’Pelt
- Twitter: @starmobileone33
- Youtube: @starmobileone
