‘We knew what we were getting’ – Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer gives young player powerful review after telling coaching decision
The Dallas Cowboys head coach revealed the 2026 leadership council. There are 11 players on it, but one stands out the most because of his youth.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is all about culture and leadership, which is why his new “leadership council” should not be taken lightly. The Cowboys are implementing a group of 11 players that are locker room leaders.
“This was me with my list, the coordinators with their list of guys that we felt would impact the locker room in the right way,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Speak up when they needed to. To me and other people.”
The list is made up of players on offense, defense, and special teams. And one name stands out because of his youth (more on that later).
The Cowboys’ leadership council
The players, who will report to Schottenheimer every couple of weeks with feedback, are listed below:
- DT Quinnen Williams
- DT Kenny Clark
- EDGE Rashan Gary
- S Jalen Thompson
- RG Tyler Booker
- TE Jake Ferguson
- LG Tyler Smith
- RB Javonte Williams
- WR CeeDee Lamb
- QB Dak Prescott
- P Bryan Anger
Tyler Booker on the leadership council in only Year 2
The Cowboys’ right guard making the list was particularly notable, as he’s only a second-year player. However, it’s no surprise at all to Schottenheimer that he made it. Not to mention, he was a near consensus pick.
“We knew what we were getting with Tyler,” Schottenheimer said. “When we drafted him, we knew that he was an elite person, an elite human being. He was all about our five core values of putting the team first, working hard, competing, loving football, and being about the brotherhood.”
Booker’s work on the field has earned him high praise one year into his NFL career. He’s even made the transition from Zack Martin looked seamless, which is insane to think about considering Martin’s Hall of Fame-caliber career. But it’s also Booker’s work in the meeting rooms that landed him on the council.
“You can’t go into any meeting room that Tyler Booker’s in and, if you ask for an opinion, his hand’s shooting up and he speaks with conviction,” the Cowboys head coach added. “I can’t say enough great things about him. He was one of the few no-brainers. I think every single one of us had him on there, and that says a lot for a guy going into his second year in the NFL.
Other thoughts on Cowboys’ leadership council
- This is Christian Parker’s defense and it shows, with two of four defensive players being recently-signed free agents (Jalen Thompson and Rashan Gary). A lot has been made about the latter being a locker room leader, but Thompson is clearly a big part of the locker room, too. Both need big years on the field.
- No surprises on offense, but it’s nice to see Javonte Williams make the group. His work ethic has been off the charts since he arrived at Dallas last year.