Multiple new members of the Dallas Cowboys have spoken out during organized team practice activities about their appreciation for the culture and attitude of America’s Team during the offseason.
Dallas has sought to set a new tone throughout the franchise since new Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer took over, and many new members have taken notice.
New Cowboys defensive tackle Solomon Thomas addressed these changes and said, “Coach Schotty has been doing an amazing job just getting the energy right and culture right here.”
“Guys are excited every day, there’s enthusiasm every day, it’s feeling like a family. I’ve only been here like a few weeks, but being around the team everyone feels close, it’s a very college like atmosphere,” he added, per Cowboys.com.
Schottenheimer has made various changes during the offseason to try to rework the culture throughout the building, including moving lockers to keep the team’s leaders near each other.
Similarly, Schottenheimer added a ping-pong table to the locker room, noting that the “central theme of the program is compete every day.”
“We find different ways to do it, we did something for the Masters, had a putt off, but get these guys in different types of environments and ask them to do different things,” said the first-year head coach, according to Yahoo Sports.
Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam, who was acquired in the offseason via trade, has also noticed this trend.
Elam said he has never experienced this type of culture in his playing career, specifically pointing to the work of the coaching staff as the driver behind this energy.
“I feel like the energy here is something I’ve never been a part of,” he explained via Cowboys.com.
“I love the enthusiasm, and also I would just say the energy from the coaching staff, they actually make you feel like they care, and that’s something that’s very exciting.”
Dallas is looking to completely revitalize this franchise with these new additions. Many have cited culture issues as the main reason behind the team’s lack of success in previous seasons.
Although the Cowboys have a difficult schedule during the 2025 regular season, the addition of new players and coaching to the franchise, along with a revamped culture, should help this team compete at a high level.