A former Dallas Cowboys player recently made revealing remarks regarding the culture within the renowned NFL franchise.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, tight end Dalton Schultz, now entering his second year with the Houston Texans after five seasons with the Cowboys, highlighted the contrasting atmospheres between the two teams. Schultz emphasized how the Texans’ environment feels markedly more football-centric compared to the Cowboys.
Schultz recalled his initial impressions upon joining the Texans, noting how it underscored the peculiarity of his experiences with the Cowboys. He described the focus on football in Houston as akin to a collegiate setting, albeit with a professional approach.
In response to McAfee’s inquiry about specific differences, Schultz recounted instances at the Cowboys’ facility where fans toured the premises during team workouts. He vividly described how the weight room felt like a spectacle, with visitors observing through one-way mirrors and even tapping on the glass to garner players’ attention mid-workout.
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“There’s people going on tours while you’re lifting in the weight room. And they’ve got a one-way mirror for people to look through, it’s literally a zoo, dude,” Schultz said. “There’s people tapping on the glass trying to get people’s attention as they’re doing power cleans. It’s just different. That’s the brand they’ve built. That’s what Jerry Jones likes.”
These anecdotes shed light on the distinct culture cultivated by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, which seems to prioritize spectacle and economic interests over on-field success. Despite the franchise’s prolonged absence from the NFC Championship game since the late 1990s, Jones has opted to maintain the status quo, retaining head coach Mike McCarthy despite another early playoff exit last season.
As the Cowboys head into the 2024 season, McCarthy faces increasing pressure to deliver results, knowing that his job security hangs in the balance amidst ongoing scrutiny of the team’s culture and performance.
