The Dallas Cowboys held their first training camp practice on Tuesday. As always, the start of training camp has fans excited to see what transpires and who looks good during practices. That said, prior to the first practice, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke to the media.
Schottenheimer made a promise to Cowboys fans and media before the first practice. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Schottenheimer said, "This is going to be a physical-ass camp. … We got a shit-ton of football to play before we make any decisions". While most coaches claim their camp will be physical, it is important that Dallas actually has a physical training camp this year.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer seems ready for the first training camp practice: “This is going to be a physical-ass camp. … We got a shit-ton of football to play before we make any decisions.” pic.twitter.com/C8fh0Jp1nm
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2025
Brian Schottenheimer Promises Cowboys Will Have a Physical Training Camp
Schottenheimer's comments should excite Cowboys fans. Last year, one of the biggest issues with Dallas's overall roster construction was that they got out-physicaled at the point of attack. On the defensive line, they were too small, which allowed opposing teams to run all over them.
The offensive line, on the other hand, was physical enough in the pass game, but didn't have the same success in run blocking. While physicality starts in the trenches, every position needs to play with some level of physicality. That is why Dallas added some important pieces on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Offensively, the Cowboys added running back Javonte Williams and wide receiver George Pickens. Williams was brought in to bring back the power element of the Cowboys' rushing attack, which they lacked in 2024. Whereas Pickens was brought in to be a complement to CeeDee Lamb.
However, the 24-year-old also adds more physicality to Dallas's receiver room. Standing at 6'3", Pickens is two inches taller than the Cowboys' No.2 receiver last season, Jalen Tolbert. The extra two inches also help make contested catches easier.
Moreover, Pickens' big body will be useful in the running game, as long as he actually blocks. During his time in Pittsburgh, his willingness to run block was always a question.
Defensively, the Cowboys brought in defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. this offseason. Thomas is a 6'3', 256-pound aggressive defensive tackle. Murray is a 6'2', 241-pound physical linebacker.
With all these new additions, Schottenheimer and the Cowboys better come through on the promise of a physical camp. If they can't, the Cowboys could be in for another rough season.