Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Cowboys

Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb shades fans by claiming Eagles have the most passionate fanbase

Dallas Cowboys fans should probably turn away.

Days after the Cowboys’ divisional rival bested the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, star receiver CeeDee Lamb decided to add salt to the wound, saying that the Philadelphia Eagles have a “more passionate” fanbase than Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a touchdown over the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter during Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (IMAGN)

“Eagles – they’re crazy,” Lamb told digital content creator Katie Feeney in an interview this week.

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“Our fans are deep, but they’re not – I don’t wanna say nothing crazy – but the Eagles got it.”

Eagles fans, notorious for their passion and ability to climb a greased pole, had their chance to shine on Friday as the team celebrated their 40-22 victory over the defending champions with a parade in downtown Philadelphia.

Even Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took a dig during his speech at the Super Bowl parade rally.

Philadelphia Eagles fans hold a sign that reads, “Go Saquon Go” during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

COWBOYS STAR CEEDEE LAMB SOUNDS OFF AMID TEAMMATE MICAH PARSONS TRADE RUMORS

“People love to hate on the Eagles. People love to hate on Philly. I think we became America’s Team in all of this. I hope Dallas hears this,” Shapiro yelled during his speech.

But despite Lamb’s flattery, the veteran wideout seems content with remaining in Dallas.

He signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension in August that will keep him in Dallas until 2028. Despite missing the playoffs, Lamb had another standout season.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 5, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)

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He finished top 10 among receivers this past season with 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns despite being sidelined for the remainder of the season in December.

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February 15, 2025
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shaprio mocked for Cowboys dig at Eagles’ Super Bowl parade speech

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro couldn’t help bringing up the Dallas Cowboys while celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles Friday.

During the Eagles’ victory parade celebrating Sunday’s Super Bowl victory, Shapiro gave a speech in which he suggested the Eagles are “America’s Team.”

“People love to hate on the Eagles. People love to hate on Philly. I think we became America’s Team in all of this. I hope Dallas hears this,” Shapiro yelled during his speech.

Shapiro then reposted a Sports Illustrated article that covered his comments on X. Many critics were quick to mock him for the comments in response.

“Crazy thinking about a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 30 years during the parade,” one user wrote.

“We don’t want to be America’s team. Why would you think we do? Just stop,” wrote another user.

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office in the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Dec. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Shanken)

Other critics were quick to point out the Eagles share a state with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a longer history of success than the Eagles, with six Super Bowl wins compared to the Eagles’ two.

“They’re not even Pennsylvania’s team,” one user wrote.

Another user asked, “If the Steelers win next year…what will you say?”

Many users pointed out how much time Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker took during their speeches. Parker was even booed during hers and was met with chants of “wrap it up!” from fans.

“You and the mayor should’ve just said “Go Birds” and then exited the stage. No one was there to see either of you. I said what I said,” one user wrote in response.

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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl championship parade and rally. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Another user wrote, “You and Cherelle hogged way too much time at the podium. Nobody wanted to listen to either of you.”

Shapiro has come under fire from conservatives after suing President Donald Trump‘s administration Thursday to unfreeze federal funds. Shapiro said the administration’s decision jeopardizes Pennsylvania projects, including “reclaiming abandoned mine land, capping and plugging orphan wells, and lowering consumer costs.”

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth is incurring debt on federally approved projects.

“The federal government has entered into a contract with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, promising to provide billions of dollars in congressionally approved funding that we have committed to serious needs – like protecting public health; cutting energy costs; providing safe, clean drinking water; and creating jobs in rural communities. With this funding freeze, the Trump administration is breaking that contract, and it’s my job as governor to protect Pennsylvania’s interests,” Shapiro said.

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro waves to Eagles fans during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade along South Broad Street in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Daniella Heminghaus/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

“While multiple federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze this funding, access has not been restored, leaving my administration with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect the interests of the Commonwealth and its residents.”

The Trump administration has called the legal challenges to Trump’s executive orders “an attempt to undermine the will of the American people.” The White House on Thursday dismissed Shapiro’s lawsuit as an extension of the “left’s resistance.”

“Radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda. These lawsuits are nothing more than an extension of the left’s resistance — and the Trump administration is ready to face them in court,” White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

February 15, 2025
Cowboys great Emmitt Smith questions team’s direction under Jerry Jones amid Brian Schottenheimer’s promotion

Last month, the Dallas Cowboys announced that Brian Schottenheimer would be promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach. The decision came after the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension.

Schottenheimer’s promotion has been met with some tepid reactions from fans and even some of the Cowboys’ former star players. Emmitt Smith is the latest franchise great to express displeasure with longtime team owner Jerry Jones’ decision to enter the 2025 season with Schottenheimer at the helm.

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Former Dallas running back Emmitt Smith shakes hands with owner Jerry Jones after being presented his Hall of Fame ring during a game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 21, 2010. (Matthew Emmons- USA Today Sports)

Smith, who spent the majority of his Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys, suggested he would take a patient approach to Schottenheimer’s coaching tenure in Dallas.

“I’m going to reserve most of my comments for a later date, but right now I’m just soaking it in,” Smith told Sports Lens late last month. “What has happened and trying to analyze where we go from here and what it is going to look like. I don’t even know who he has on his staff yet, who he retained, who he got rid of, who he’s bringing in.”

COWBOYS’ DAK PRESCOTT EXPRESSES HOPE FOR TEAM’S FUTURE AS EAGLES, COMMANDERS SURGE IN NFL

Smith followed up those comments by warning that the Cowboys’ 2025 campaign could be disappointing, given his belief that the franchise’s issues go beyond whoever is wearing the head coaching headset on the sideline.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media during a press conference at the Star. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

“Next subject,” Smith said during a recent appearance on ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike,” when asked about his feelings regarding Schottenheimer’s hiring. “I have no reaction. I just don’t know what to say. I know we have to give the man a chance, and I’m willing to give him a chance, an opportunity to turn things around. However, if we don’t align our vision and commitment to that vision, I think we’re going to get a lot of things that we’ve seen in the past, and that doesn’t feel good.”

“We need a lot more than Ashton Jeanty. All that talk about having a running back and a running game – there’s nothing wrong with our running game when there’s a commitment to the running game.… I think we’ve gotten so far away from what we all know as the Cowboys’ great teams. You don’t see that balance anymore. You see one way, and that’s disappointing,” Smith added.

Emmitt Smith attends the game between the Augustana Vikings and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Nov. 4, 2016, in Durham, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

Jones contacted former Cowboys star and current Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders during the hiring process. Jones later characterized his interaction with Sanders as more of a conversation with someone he had a personal relationship with rather than a formal job interview.

“Just a conversation about the team, and about where he is, and his boys, conversation with his boys, that type of conversation,” Jones said. “I’ve said I’ve talked to a lot of coaches, and Deion has a job.”

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Smith said passing over Sanders left him feeling disappointed. “It is kind of disappointing that, from an opportunity standpoint, he wasn’t considered high enough to do it,” he said. “But like I said, some things have to play themselves out.”

Michael Irvin, who won three Super Bowls during his storied career with the Cowboys, has also expressed his displeasure with Jones deciding not to move forward with Sanders as the team’s coach.

The Cowboys finished the 2024 season with a 7-10 record. Quarterback Dak Prescott missed nine games due to a hamstring injury.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott expresses hope for team’s future as Eagles, Commanders surge in NFL

The NFC East was showcased in two of the final three games of the 2024 NFL season.

The Philadelphia Eagles topped the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship before eventually defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, #4, looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Oct. 6, 2024. (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)

The Eagles had a veteran team with an incredible defense that tormented Patrick Mahomes all night on their way to a win. The Commanders got very close to making the Super Bowl for the first time in over 30 years with a rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels.

With Philadelphia and Washington being the talk of the NFL, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed optimism on Tuesday about his team’s chances of making their mark.

“I feel like we’ve competed with the Eagles and beat them for the most part when we’ve played them,” he told reporters at an event for the upcoming Children’s Cancer Fund gala, via ESPN. “I don’t want to say, ‘Check the record,’ when the other guy is holding the trophy, right? So credit to them. They’ve earned it, and they deserve it by all means. But, yeah, [we’re] very close.”

Dallas did suffer a rash of injuries during the 2024 season that took them from a 12-5 playoff team to a fledgling 7-10 team.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, #4, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, #88, walk off the field after a loss against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Nov. 3, 2024. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

“Especially even watching the NFC Championship and those two teams — teams that we battle against each and every year a couple of times,” he added. “As I said, [I] feel confident that we’ve gotten the better part each and every time. But just seeing such a dominating fashion, credit to them. It’s our turn, and it’s on us.”

The Eagles routed the Cowboys in both of their matchups in 2024. Prescott did not play in either game as his season ended in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Dallas had a wild win over Washington in Week 12 but lost in the season finale against them.

The Cowboys will enter the 2025 season with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer at the helm and a few question marks as star players like Micah Parsons in trade rumors.

Former Cowboys star Dez Bryant told Fox News Digital he did not expect Dallas to be back in the fold anytime soon.

“I don’t expect the ‘Boys to be good for the next couple years. You need good role players, you need more star players, especially in today’s NFL. Teams are loaded. You can’t have just one receiver. You got teams with three ones, two ones. The Cowboys only got one one. And the rest might be threes. I don’t see us getting better.” he said.

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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, left, and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at the Star. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

“It’s not anything personal. It’s just the writing on the wall.”

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 12, 2025
Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb sounds off amid teammate Micah Parsons trade rumors

Micah Parsons put together another strong performance this past season. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker recorded 12 sacks despite missing four games in his fourth NFL season.

Parsons is set to play the 2025 season on his fifth-year option before he is scheduled to become a free agent. The star pass rusher would then be free to sign with another team, unless his representatives and the Cowboys’ front office are able to reach an agreement on a contract extension.

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CeeDee Lamb, left, and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after beating the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 29, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

While Parsons’ future remains uncertain, trade rumors have already started to swirl – much to the displeasure of one of his current teammates.

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A report from NFL Media recently surfaced saying “some internal discussions” have taken place among the Cowboys brass about the possibility of including Parsons in a trade. Dallas star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb apparently caught wind of the report, and questioned whether there was any fatigue concerning discussions about Parsons.

Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the New York Giants game at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 24, 2022. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

He also suggested that having Parsons on the team gives Dallas the best opportunity to win games going forward.

“Y’all aren’t tired of this? Every offseason, top of the charts… Let’s just win ball games and that’s with 11! SMH,” Lamb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Parsons is scheduled to make $21.324 million this upcoming season. While he is listed on the Cowboys’ roster as a linebacker, he lined up at the defensive end position for the majority of the team’s defensive snaps last season and was tagged as such.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons celebrate during the NFL Pro Bowl Skills Competition in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA Today Sports)

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa’s roughly $34 million represents the league’s highest annual salary for a defensive end.

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Lamb and Parsons will be under the guidance of a new head coach when they report to training camp in the coming months. The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy last month and promoted Brian Schottenheimer from his offensive coordinator post to head coach.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Former Cowboys star Dez Bryant rips team’s ‘stupid decisions,’ doesn’t expect success any time soon

The Dallas Cowboys have some decisions to make and find themselves in somewhat of a holding pattern.

Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons cover half the team’s salary cap, and Parsons could get a record-breaking contract this offseason.

Parsons told Fox News Digital he would likely limit himself in training camp without a new deal. He probably won’t be practicing, but with a new coach in charge, he does want to be in meetings.

The Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy parted ways, and Brian Schottenheimer was promoted from the offensive coordinator’s job.

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Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium Aug. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

The Cowboys finished 12-5 three consecutive seasons before going 7-10 this season after Prescott missed a chunk of the season with a hamstring injury, and ex-Cowboy Dez Bryant is concerned about the team’s future and the team’s “stupid decisions.”

“I’ve been in that organization, so I’m looking at it from a different lens. They weren’t pulling the plug or making moves to try to make the team better. That’s when I knew things was going down for us,” Bryant told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

“Then, after the season, McCarthy dipped, the process of bringing in these coaches — Jerry, Stephen — they didn’t seem like they was too concerned. I don’t know if it’s a tank, going through the motions, getting something in the future. It’s something.”

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown with teammates, including guard Jonathan Cooper (64) against Washington at AT&T Stadium Nov. 30, 2017. (Matthew Emmons/USA Today Sports)

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Bryant spoke with Fox News Digital in New Orleans, where he’s looking to place some bets with Fanatics Sportsbook.

“If I’m not mistaken, I think Kareem Hunt is +900 for the first touchdown. I like that. I like Kareem Hunt to score a touchdown, and I like DeVonta Smith to score a touchdown,” Bryant said.

Bryant will be using the book’s FanCash to place his wagers, but it can also be used to buy merchandise through the Fanatics site.

“They’re running a hell of a program to keep these fans connected. … That’s one of the reasons I love to be a part of this group. They’re looking to do things the right way. They want to appeal to their fans. And that’s what I love about Fanatics,” Bryant added.

Bryant sounded like he may also take the under on Cowboys wins next season.

“I don’t expect the ‘Boys to be good for the next couple years. You need good role players, you need more star players, especially in today’s NFL. Teams are loaded. You can’t have just one receiver. You got teams with three ones, two ones. The Cowboys only got one one. And the rest might be threes. I don’t see us getting better.” he said.

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“It’s not anything personal. It’s just the writing on the wall.”

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February 8, 2025
Cowboys star Micah Parsons reveals plan if he doesn’t have new contract by training camp

Had Micah Parsons not missed four games this season due to injury, he would easily be a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year – again.

In each of his first four seasons, including in this injury-riddled season, the Dallas Cowboys stalwart pass rusher has recorded a dozen sacks. He finished second, second and third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in each of his first three years.

His 52.5 career sacks are the sixth-most by any player in his first four seasons. It is safe to say, he deserves to break the bank.

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Micah Parsons, #11 of the Dallas Cowboys, reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 5, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Parsons was eligible for a contract extension last year but never got one. Now, he is entering his fifth season (obviously, Dallas exercised his fifth-year option), but without a contract this time next year, he would be a candidate for the franchise tag.

Parsons has said he wants to be a Cowboy for life, perhaps losing some leverage at the negotiating table. He even admitted he does not need to be the highest-paid defensive player ever.

But, he does want to be paid, and without a contract, he said he will be limited at training camp this year.

“I think I’ll report, because at the end of the day, with all of the new coaches, things like that, you need to be around the guys, they need a voice. I think I’ll be there,” Parsons said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “Will I be doing activities? Probably not.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, #11, walks on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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“I want to make sure I’m doing what I need to do to respect my future, but I don’t believe in punishing the team. I want to be around my guys, making sure we’re leading and trending in the right direction of where we want to be.”

Nick Bosa’s $170 million is currently the most money ever given to a non-quarterback. However, for reference, Von Miller got $120 million at the age of 32 – Parsons is just 25. Sandwiched between them are Chris Jones at just shy of $159 million (aged 29 when he signed), Josh Hines-Allen, who inked a $141.25 million deal at age 25, and the $141 million deal Brian Burns signed this past offseason, also at 25 years young.

Jerry Jones has said he has zero plans to trade Micah Parsons. However, it may need some exploration, considering Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are already combining for over 45% of the team’s salary cap.

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Parsons will be a $24 million cap hit in 2025, meaning their three biggest stars will account for roughly 54% of their cap. One figures he wants a lot more money than that. It is safe to say, they need to be creative if they want to retain their star defender.

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February 7, 2025
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones raises eyebrows with old-school phrase but there’s a good explanation

Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones roiled fans when the team announced that Brian Schottenheimer would be the team’s next head coach, but it was his remarks to reporters on Monday that raised eyebrows.

It was not exactly Jones defending the decision that caught the NFL world’s attention. It was more how he said it.

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks to the media at a press conference at the Star in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 27, 2025. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

“There’s a very low percentage of this that is smiles and glory holes. Very low percentage,” he told FOX 4 Dallas when asked about his feelings toward the Cowboys’ fans reactions.

Jones’ use of the phrase “glory hole” drew confusion and mockery. The two most-known references for the term are an unkempt storage place or a hole in the wall used for sexual exploitation. However, Jones seemed to be referring to an open quarry.

Glory hole is also a term used in the oil and gas industry as a type of mining into the sea to protect equipment from icebergs or packs of ice. Jones made money in the oil and gas industry before he decided to buy the Cowboys in 1989.

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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, left, and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at the Star in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 27, 2025. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

Sports Illustrated pointed out it was not the first time he referenced it either.

“I’ve been here when it was glory hole days, and I’ve been here when it wasn’t. Having said that, I want me some glory hole,” he said in 2012, via the Houston Chronicle.

When phrased like that, the Cowboys have not found any glory holes since the mid-1990s, when they last won the Super Bowl and were considered to be America’s Team.

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The addition of Schottenheimer was far from the marquee move fans expected, but the Cowboys were 12-5 for three straight seasons before being dealt with numerous injuries in 2024.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 29, 2025
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: Hiring Brian Schottenheimer is ‘as big a risk as you can take’

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was sitting right next to Brian Schottenheimer, his new head coaching hire, on Monday when he said what a lot of fans and various team alumni were thinking when the news broke.

This hire is a big risk.

Schottenheimer was introduced as the Cowboys’ next head coach after Jones’ decision to not re-sign Mike McCarthy, who had Schottenheimer as his offensive coordinator this past season. The hire, as well as the process Jones and the organization went about making it, has been blasted by fans and experts alike.

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks to the media at a press conference at the Star. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

Despite Schottenheimer being to his right, Jones responded to those critics on Monday.

“I get my proverbial a– kicked over needing people in my comfort zone,” Jones said to reporters, via The New York Post. “Without this thing being about me in any way, if you don’t think I can’t operate out of my comfort zone, you’re so wrong it’s unbelievable.

“This is as big a risk as you can take. As big a risk as you can take. No head coaching experience.”

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Not much of a vote of confidence from that quote during what’s usually an optimistic outlook on a new coaching chapter for a franchise.

But the tone changed from Jones when discussing Schottenheimer, who has loads of coaching experience even if he hasn’t run his own program yet. He began his career as an assistant for the Rams in 1997, and he’s worked his way up through various organizations, including serving as offensive coordinator for the Rams, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks and the University of Georgia. He’s also the son of famed NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer.

Jones pointed to the younger Schottenheimer’s family tree, while discussing his qualifications.

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at the Star. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

“We know what osmosis is and we know what Schotty grew up around,” Jones explained, per NFL.com. “Frankly, from the standpoint of Schotty, those X hairs crossed. Schotty might never had been in our mirror, our view, had he not joined us to be with Mike as a consultant three years ago. … I’ve sat in handful of meetings with Schotty. I’ve listened. I’ve watched him. I’ve watched him have deference to his head coach. I’ve watched him have deference to experienced guys like [defensive coordinator Mike] Zimmer. … I’ve watched him bite his lip sometimes when he didn’t necessarily agree with that direction. But he bit his lip, as his daddy would have told him to bite your lip.

“You go around to the countless number of coaches that Schotty has served on staff with and been around. The countless players. How often do you have someone that has 25 years of working through the human relationship?” Jones added.

Schottenheimer is said to have a great relationship with Cowboys franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, which will be critical in making this work post-McCarthy. Prescott was one who said toward the end of the season, as he was rehabbing from a surgically-repaired hamstring, that he would champion McCarthy returning as head coach.

Schottenheimer owns the keys to “America’s Team” now, and he knows how big of a responsibility it is leading this Super Bowl-hungry team back to the playoffs.

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But he now knows his owner believes what’s been put out there on social media: He’s a risky hire. It’s up to Schottenheimer to prove the risk was worth the reward.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 28, 2025
Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux, Cowboys great Dez Bryant get into X beef after Saquon Barkley comment

A brilliant NFC Championship performance from Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday led one Dallas Cowboys great to troll the New York Giants for letting him go, a storyline that has been used all season.

But Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux didn’t appreciate Dez Bryant’s posts on X, leading to some public beef as they went back and forth.

Barkley scored three touchdowns on the ground in the Eagles’ 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

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Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant walks on the field before the game between the New York Giants and Cowboys, Sept. 26, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Bryant fired off a tweet as Barkley was dicing up the Commanders, poking the Giants for letting the star running back walk away in free agency and eventually signing with the division rival Eagles.

“The Giants have got to be sick; I don’t care what anyone says,” Bryant posted, with a laughing emoji.

Thibodeaux saw the tweet come from Bryant hours after posting it, but he wasted no time jabbing at Bryant about his lack of championships in his own career.

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“We got the same amount of SB (Super Bowls),” Thibodeaux quote tweeted over Bryant’s initial post.

Bryant answered five minutes later and didn’t hold back his thoughts about the Giants.

“That’s a fact but I had a grat career and I’m in the record [book emoji]..sooooooo….I’m good with that!” Bryant said.

Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants (Michael Owens/Getty Images/File)

“You guys let go of the best player in the NFL this year and the GM son told him straight in his face to draft Jayden Daniels. You shouldn’t be addressing me you should be addressing your dumb ass GM…”

That was just the start of it for these two as Thibodeaux added, “I’m shooting on any old head mentioning the Giants from here on out.” But that led to more from Bryant.

“The only player over there who’s (sic) legit is Malik Nabers…Other than that, sorry to break it to you buddy, you guys are awful,” Bryant said. “Cut all of that political shit out! ..You better hope they don’t trade your ass the way you’re hyping…Pipe down buddy…I bet not see you looking for a trade or cut.”

Thibodeaux attempted to cool the tension, but Bryant continued.

Thibodeaux obliged, asking the former receiver, “Why haven’t you retired?” He also implied Bryant, 36, would answer the call from Giants GM Joe Schoen if he asked him to work out for a roster spot.

“I bet you show up,” Thibodeaux said.

“This how I know..you don’t know..,” Bryant responded. “One day we’ll rap in person! Im far off the spectrum! I’m here to put you guys on game…I hate you misinterpreted my tweet…I’m done going back and forth..I pray you have a successful career.”

One NFL fan eventually asked what the two were beefing about.

Dallas Cowboys former player Dez Bryant before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports/File)

“Everybody think they can say something about a team I represent….not on my watch,” Thibodeaux responded with a laughing emoji. “Till I’m not longer a Giant ima (sic) stand in bidness (sic).”

Thibodeaux was the Giants’ fifth overall pick out of Oregon in the 2022 NFL Draft, and after posting 11.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in a breakout 2023 campaign, he regressed on the stat sheet with 5.5 sacks and 28 combined tackles compared to 50 the year prior. He also played just 12 games in 2024.

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Meanwhile, Bryant, the three-time Pro Bowler, played nine seasons in the NFL, eight of which came with the Cowboys, where he totaled 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns over 113 games. He played his final NFL season in 2020 with the Baltimore Ravens, playing in six games in which he had six catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 27, 2025