SUPER BOWL XXVII : DAILY REPORT : A Nostalgic Return for Ken Norton Jr.

Dallas linebacker Ken Norton Jr. was talking about the Cowboys’ no-name defense--”We’re now famous for not being famous”--and also the emotions he felt when he returned to Spaulding Field at UCLA on Monday.

Norton spent many a day on the UCLA practice field during his college career.

“It was really exciting walking back out on that field,” Norton said.

Then came a question Norton no doubt will be hearing a lot this week: “Anything new with the relationship with your father?”

It was reported by The Times on Jan. 16 that Norton and his father, the former heavyweight champion, once as tight as a father and son can be, are not speaking.

Neither has said what the rift is about, but it appears it won’t be settled easily, even amid all the Super Bowl euphoria.

“I’d just as soon not comment on that,” Norton said. “I just want to enjoy the Super Bowl experience.”

One thing Dallas Coach Jimmy Johnson doesn’t mind talking about is Norton.

“No player we have plays as many plays,” Johnson said. “He plays middle linebacker in our nickel defense, he plays weakside linebacker in our standard defense, and he plays special teams.”

Johnson said Norton plays on the punt coverage team, and sometimes plays on the kickoff and kickoff return teams.

Johnson, during a news conference in Santa Monica on Monday, had this to say about another former Bruin, Troy Aikman: “He is a greater person off the field than he is a player on the field, and he is a great player.”

Johnson spent much of his time at the podium Monday praising the Bills, particularly their defense. He also said, “That no-huddle offense can really wear a defense down.”