There was a fresh twist to Dallas Cowboys training camp, introduced by coach Brian Schottenheimer. On Wednesday night, rather than making rookies sing before the team, he had them stage a full rookie show.
In a situation where the team is grappling with a contract issue, criticism from fans and analysts and high-stakes predictions for the 2025 season, a lighthearted moment like the rookie show must have offered a much-needed relief from the pressure.
Here’s a closer look at what went down during the rookie show and how Schottenheimer reacted.
On Thursday, The Athletic’s Jon Machota reported that the show was among the best Schottenheimer has seen in his career.
“I was one of the hot topics,” he said. “They did an incredible job. I’ve probably seen in my career 15-18 rookie shows, and this was one of the best ones.”
One highlight came from linebacker Justin Barron, who took on the role of Schottenheimer himself. “The visor was backwards. He had on the two‑tone blue (shirt). He did a great job,” Schottenheimer said.
Barron’s skit even poked fun at a viral moment from the preseason opener. Schottenheimer’s postgame prayer after the Cowboys’ game against the Rams, in which he accidentally swore. The rookie worked that moment into the routine, profanity included.
“They revisited (that prayer),” Schottenheimer said. “There were some curse words in there, so that was good. The (veteran players) loved it.”
It was a night of laughs for both rookies and veterans alike. Now, fans will be hoping that chemistry shows up when it matters most: on game day.
