Here is everything you need to know about the Cowboys’ opening press conference from Oxnard.
The Dallas Cowboys are in Oxnard and training camp has officially begun.
Each and every year the team’s arrival in California signals that football is finally (at long last) upon us. This season is no different as the team reported on Sunday and will have their first practice on Tuesday. We are rocking and rolling.
Monday though marked an important moment for the franchise as the team’s brain trust held their annual press conference to kick off camp. There are a few pressers that stand out relative to others for the Cowboys in a given year and this is certainly one of them. It serves as a “State of the Union” for the team, so to speak, ahead of a season’s beginning.
Below we will be providing quotes, updates and notable remarks as they happen in real time. Obviously if you are finding this later on Monday afternoon or evening, or some time after that, it is all in the past.
Let’s go.
Jerry Jones likes Tyler Smith’s comment
On Sunday evening Tyler Smith noted that he believed the Cowboys were a Super Bowl contender. He said this in a matter-of-fact way and not a braggadocios one, and Jerry Jones joked that he liked what Tyler said in that regard.
Micah Parsons is expected to be a leader
When asked about whether he expects Micah Parsons to do anything amid contract negotiations, Jerry Jones noted in a literal sense that Micah is under contract and danced around the subject that way.
Jerry does not feel concerned about any pattern
After noting that he does not have any frustration with the Micah situation not being resolved, Jerry dodged questions about whether or not the Cowboys are developing (or have developed) a pattern with regards to getting extensions done with their superstars.
Stephen Jones on contract extensions
Stephen noted that training camp is an opportunity for extension conversations to be happening with a variety of player. Obviously we will see if that happens.
Comments about Micah’s leadership
Jerry and Schotty both referenced Micah’s leadership in conversations about him potentially holding in, not practice and things of the like. Jerry even chirped up when Schotty was talking to say that just because the Cowboys sign Micah does not mean that they are going to have him, and he noted that Micah missed time due to injury last season.
Things got off of the rails quickly
As you can imagine there were a number of questions on the contract front and the front office got rather defensive. They noted that they do things as they view them to be in the best interest of the club and declined to answer anything about how they are becoming known for unnecessarily dragging things out.
Jerry Jones took a shot at Trevon Diggs and Terence Steele
Jerry was asked what the difference is with players like these two in that they got contract extensions early and others have been pushed to greater limits. In quite the bold move he said, verbatim, “Frankly… should we have waited on Diggs and Steele?”.
The Cowboys believe in this team
Ultimately the front office heaped confidence on this year’s group. That is hardly shocking.
DeMarvion Overshown can be helpful even while still hurt
Brian Schottenheimer noted that players who are rehabbing or coming back from injury can be a part of the instructional part of things. That was interesting and refreshing.
Jerry Jones has considered stepping away as General Manager before
Asked if he has ever considered stepping away, Jerry noted that he has in fractional moments. He also said that he has huge incentive to do the job correctly with him holding it.
Brian Schottenheimer is ready for this
Obviously this is the first training camp for Schotty as a head coach. He noted that he is excited for the opportunity and ready to lead the players. He sounded very enthused.