Dalton Schultz, the former Cowboys Tight End recently revealed on Pat McAfee’s show his experience of playing in Dallas. Now a Texan, he revealed a stark difference in the footballing cultures of the two franchises. Schultz said everything in Cowboys is for the show and the focus is not just on football. He compared the experience to being in a zoo.
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While he asserted that there is nothing wrong with that, he stated the brand that Jerry Jones built is what the Cowboys are all about. However, he feels that this type of environment can be stressful and distracting. Schultz feels as compared to them, the Texans are a well-run organization.
Dalton Schultz on Cowboys facilities environment vs Texans
With the tours, the cowboys weight room was “like a zoo” “people tapping on the glass while trying to do power cleans” pic.twitter.com/eDOeRbU1ej
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) March 7, 2024
The statement has irked many Dallas fans and players. Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jake Ferguson shared a cryptic story on Instagram, featuring a section of the franchise facility. The image reveals words written across a wall that reads- ” It’s a privilege, not a right, to play, coach, and work for the Dallas Cowboys.”
Jake Ferguson’s Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/zez4rpeOsu
— ayushjuneja (@Liverpudlian61) March 10, 2024
While he didn’t name anyone, fans speculated that Ferguson was an indirect response to Dalton Schultz’s comments. Fans loved seeing their TE firing back at their former TE. Fans are loving Ferguson’s energy. Others stated Jake is not hiding behind silly and weak excuses like being on a camera all the time and people coming to the training facility. Fans said his love for the franchise makes him a special player both on and off the field. Fans said,
Say whatever y’all want, but #Cowboys Jake Ferguson ain’t about those excuses!!! https://t.co/VsGyOQ5ETp
— Law Nation Sports (@LawsNation) March 9, 2024
Another chimed in and stated,
Jake Ferguson posting this on his IG today…. Looks to be a response to Dalton Schultz’s quote of him crying about how scary it is playing for the Cowboys because of the added attention. pic.twitter.com/mwYNUXKCBE
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) March 9, 2024
A fan quipped,
Looks like Jake Ferguson is firing back at Dalton Schultz pic.twitter.com/BmzTrZzQO1
— ✮ (@GoatedDak) March 8, 2024
Another one wrote,
Jake Ferguson energy >
If this not yours go root for the Texans pic.twitter.com/M0PitAxXG7
— (Foots The King) (@FootsDaKing) March 8, 2024
Someone commented,
Jake Ferguson really is special, man. He loves this team just as much as #CowboysNation. pic.twitter.com/bqK0II1YVJ
— Mauricio Rodríguez (@MauNFL) March 8, 2024
Others said,
Jake Ferguson letting everyone know… https://t.co/0DvSrsQ73e
— Shoes&Sports (@Shoesnsports_) March 8, 2024
Dalton Schultz left the Cowboys a season after spending five seasons there and had a good first season in Houston, contributing 635 yards on 59 receptions and finding the end zone five times. But it seems like the situation worked out well for Dallas as Ferguson repaid the trust Mike McCarthy put in him.
Cowboys Tight End Performance After Dalton Schultz’s Exit
Many thought that Schultz’s output and his chemistry with Dak Prescott would be hard to replicate especially in the first season of his departure as a free agent. Ferguson who had just 19 receptions during his rookie season, took the mantle from Schultz like a duck to water and became one of the most reliable targets for Dak in the 2023 season. Former Wisconsin Badger had 71 receptions for 761 yards with five touchdowns.
He was eighth in yards, ninth in receptions, tenth in yards per game, and was joint-third for touchdowns for his position. Seems like they are sweating over Schultz leaving. Their TE2 was their 2nd round pick Luke Schoonmaker. Drafted out of Michigan, for his blocking abilities, he ended up playing just 12 games, starting none. He played only 31% of the snaps, party because of Mono and a ruptured spleen. Luke only had eight receptions for 65 yards but contributed two TDs as per Sports Illustrated.
Another tight End, Peyton Hendershot spent the majority of his time on the sidelines tending to his ankle and caught only four passes for 38 yards. Ferguson seems like a real find, but he has to increase his output if he wants to become a great TE like Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, Antonio Gates, etc. Meanwhile, Dalton Schultz is finally settling in his new home as he is set to stay in Houston for three more seasons after agreeing a 3-year $36 million deal with the Texans.