1 00:00:11,080 --> 00:00:16,720 Speaker 1: This is the Miller Light Cowboys Hour, supported by Albertson 2 00:00:16,920 --> 00:00:20,880 Speaker 1: and Omni Hotels and Resource. Brought to you by Miller Light, 3 00:00:21,200 --> 00:00:25,440 Speaker 1: the only beer of the Cowboys. It's Miller Tut, Albertson's 4 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:28,600 Speaker 1: and Tom Thumb, the official supermarket and pharmacy of the 5 00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:32,800 Speaker 1: Dallas Cowboys. Choose VA Veterans get the benefits you've burned. 6 00:00:33,080 --> 00:00:37,120 Speaker 1: Visit choose Dot bea dot gov and by Geico fifteen 7 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:40,280 Speaker 1: minutes could save you fifteen percenter more on car Inshirts. 8 00:00:40,440 --> 00:00:46,760 Speaker 1: Now your hosts, Danny Sirek and Brad Sham. This is 9 00:00:46,800 --> 00:00:50,320 Speaker 1: the Millerlite Cowboys Hour, Live from Fort Center at the 10 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:54,840 Speaker 1: Star in Frisco. I am not Bradsham. I'm Kyle Yoman's 11 00:00:54,880 --> 00:00:57,560 Speaker 1: filling in for the voice of the Dallas Cowboys alongside 12 00:00:57,600 --> 00:01:00,240 Speaker 1: the great Danny Sirek, and we are soon to be 13 00:01:00,320 --> 00:01:04,480 Speaker 1: joined by special guest Jalen Smith, Cowboys linebacker coming up 14 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: here in just a little bit. But we're gonna take 15 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:08,959 Speaker 1: some time and kind of set the scene a little bit. 16 00:01:08,959 --> 00:01:11,880 Speaker 1: It is the first Miller Like Cowboys Hour of the 17 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:14,800 Speaker 1: twenty twenty one season, which only means one thing, Danny, 18 00:01:14,840 --> 00:01:17,720 Speaker 1: and that means football. Is back in the regular season, 19 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:21,160 Speaker 1: is finally here. That's definitely something to be excited about. 20 00:01:21,360 --> 00:01:23,920 Speaker 1: I mean, I feel like it's been forever by this point. 21 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:26,400 Speaker 1: Thank goodness, the Cowboys have the first game of the 22 00:01:26,600 --> 00:01:29,800 Speaker 1: entire NFL that we can get to football a little closer. 23 00:01:30,120 --> 00:01:32,360 Speaker 1: There are so many things to be excited about with 24 00:01:32,400 --> 00:01:35,639 Speaker 1: this team and really every position that like, it's almost 25 00:01:35,680 --> 00:01:37,839 Speaker 1: hard to think about what am I most excited about 26 00:01:37,880 --> 00:01:39,759 Speaker 1: to see from this team? And it's like, I don't 27 00:01:39,760 --> 00:01:43,160 Speaker 1: even know how You're right. I mean, you think about 28 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:45,600 Speaker 1: the return of Dak Prescott. That's certainly on the minds 29 00:01:45,600 --> 00:01:48,720 Speaker 1: of all Cowboys fans out there, no preseason work, Well 30 00:01:48,880 --> 00:01:51,320 Speaker 1: guess what, he's fully ready to go for Thursday in 31 00:01:51,360 --> 00:01:53,720 Speaker 1: a battle with Tom Brady. But you also think about 32 00:01:53,720 --> 00:01:56,520 Speaker 1: the battle of the defense versus Tom Brady as well 33 00:01:56,560 --> 00:02:00,680 Speaker 1: a resurgents resurgent defense behind and Quinn. I mean, there 34 00:02:00,720 --> 00:02:02,240 Speaker 1: are a lot of things to be excited about. So 35 00:02:02,280 --> 00:02:03,960 Speaker 1: I won't put you on the spot. If you had 36 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:07,200 Speaker 1: to choose one thing, what would it be like? One position, group, 37 00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:09,720 Speaker 1: one player? What are you looking for? Yeah, unit, something 38 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:15,359 Speaker 1: that excites you the most? Well, I mean this isn't 39 00:02:15,400 --> 00:02:17,560 Speaker 1: really new from last year, but the wide receiver corps 40 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:20,760 Speaker 1: is so exciting with Michael Gallup, Amari Cooper and Ceedee Lamb, 41 00:02:20,800 --> 00:02:22,440 Speaker 1: and I just feel like Ceedee Lamb is just going 42 00:02:22,480 --> 00:02:24,840 Speaker 1: to have a bigger jump going into your two. We 43 00:02:24,880 --> 00:02:26,880 Speaker 1: know he's not going to be so limited to the 44 00:02:26,880 --> 00:02:29,560 Speaker 1: slot now that he's had a full preseason under him, 45 00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:31,520 Speaker 1: so that that position group is of course going to 46 00:02:31,520 --> 00:02:33,720 Speaker 1: be so exciting. But if you're looking for an answer 47 00:02:33,760 --> 00:02:36,480 Speaker 1: of maybe a new player or you know, looking for 48 00:02:36,600 --> 00:02:39,600 Speaker 1: major improvements from last year, and I'm not just saying 49 00:02:39,600 --> 00:02:41,600 Speaker 1: this because of our guest, but I'm going to say 50 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:44,679 Speaker 1: the linebackers and with Micah Parsons and jibro Cox coming 51 00:02:44,680 --> 00:02:47,440 Speaker 1: into play, with Layton Vanderesh and Jalen Smith our guests 52 00:02:47,440 --> 00:02:50,200 Speaker 1: who will be here shortly, that is really exciting to 53 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:51,639 Speaker 1: me when you look at where you want to see 54 00:02:51,639 --> 00:02:55,000 Speaker 1: the defense improve and what's been really exciting this far 55 00:02:55,080 --> 00:02:57,640 Speaker 1: throughout the offseason and training camp and what we've seen. 56 00:02:57,919 --> 00:02:59,840 Speaker 1: And we're going to ask Jalen Smith about this coming 57 00:02:59,919 --> 00:03:02,520 Speaker 1: up here in just a little bit. But Micah Parsons, 58 00:03:02,560 --> 00:03:04,639 Speaker 1: of course, the twelfth overall pick in the first round 59 00:03:04,639 --> 00:03:08,080 Speaker 1: of the NFL Draft, and somebody that adds an extra versatility, 60 00:03:08,160 --> 00:03:11,560 Speaker 1: adds that extra I guess side product that you haven't 61 00:03:11,600 --> 00:03:13,960 Speaker 1: had in a while, and that's team speed on the 62 00:03:13,960 --> 00:03:16,160 Speaker 1: defensive side of the football. I think all of that 63 00:03:16,280 --> 00:03:20,120 Speaker 1: is certainly exciting, But how much does this make things 64 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,120 Speaker 1: or at least take the pressure off of guys like 65 00:03:22,240 --> 00:03:24,160 Speaker 1: Jalen Smith and Laton Vanderess that are going to be 66 00:03:24,160 --> 00:03:26,560 Speaker 1: in the middle of that Cowboys defense. Oh absolutely, the 67 00:03:26,600 --> 00:03:29,360 Speaker 1: fact that he might get a few more snaps to 68 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:32,240 Speaker 1: have off and a few more breaks. And not only that, 69 00:03:32,280 --> 00:03:34,840 Speaker 1: but similar to that wide receiver cord, when you have 70 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:37,200 Speaker 1: so many threats in one position group, it's hard for 71 00:03:37,240 --> 00:03:39,240 Speaker 1: the other team to account for that because you can't 72 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:41,440 Speaker 1: just focus on Jalen because now you're going to have 73 00:03:41,480 --> 00:03:44,080 Speaker 1: to focus on Mica or vice versa. And so having 74 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:46,520 Speaker 1: that versatility, having a lot of strong players in one 75 00:03:46,560 --> 00:03:49,160 Speaker 1: position group really gives you the advantage. And so that's 76 00:03:49,160 --> 00:03:51,280 Speaker 1: what I'm excited to see is not only how great 77 00:03:51,280 --> 00:03:53,840 Speaker 1: will someone like Micah Parsons be, how is that going 78 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:56,280 Speaker 1: to elevate the rest of the linebackers and their ability 79 00:03:56,360 --> 00:03:58,760 Speaker 1: to go after the quarterback? And Dan Quinns talked about 80 00:03:58,760 --> 00:04:00,560 Speaker 1: this on a couple of occasions, but he's never going 81 00:04:00,600 --> 00:04:05,080 Speaker 1: to complain about having more weapons on the defensive side 82 00:04:05,080 --> 00:04:08,160 Speaker 1: of the football, and certainly the addition of Michael Parsons 83 00:04:08,200 --> 00:04:10,240 Speaker 1: adds that. There are a couple other additions throughout the 84 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:13,840 Speaker 1: offseason with Keon O'Neil, Damante kaz on the backside of 85 00:04:13,840 --> 00:04:15,920 Speaker 1: the defense, and even Malie Cook or a former first 86 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:18,520 Speaker 1: round pick that's back there as well. How much of 87 00:04:18,520 --> 00:04:21,880 Speaker 1: a turnaround do you think this defense could potentially have. Well, 88 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:23,760 Speaker 1: I think there's going to be what's expected to be 89 00:04:23,839 --> 00:04:25,920 Speaker 1: a huge turnaround. Now you have to think about where 90 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:28,800 Speaker 1: the bars from last year and keep that in mind. Absolutely, 91 00:04:28,839 --> 00:04:30,200 Speaker 1: but I do think that we're going to see a 92 00:04:30,240 --> 00:04:33,680 Speaker 1: completely different defense, whether that's because of having more time 93 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:36,560 Speaker 1: with Dan Quinn or whatever, you know, training camp might be. 94 00:04:37,040 --> 00:04:39,760 Speaker 1: This defense seems more prepared and now we've got someone 95 00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:42,440 Speaker 1: who can tell us more about this defense, Jaylen Smith. 96 00:04:42,520 --> 00:04:46,479 Speaker 1: Everybody walking up and he's got the fire fit on Sonic, 97 00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:49,880 Speaker 1: the Hedgehog on the T shirt, putting on the headset 98 00:04:49,960 --> 00:04:53,240 Speaker 1: and Jalen looking fresh as always. Welcome to the show, 99 00:04:53,320 --> 00:04:56,039 Speaker 1: my friend, Thank you, thanks for having me. It feels good. 100 00:04:57,320 --> 00:05:00,360 Speaker 1: M back guy here. We've got some fans here, got 101 00:05:00,360 --> 00:05:02,080 Speaker 1: a lot of fans are excited to talk to you 102 00:05:02,120 --> 00:05:04,080 Speaker 1: just as much as we are. How good is it 103 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:09,800 Speaker 1: to be back in the mix of a regular season again? Wonderful? Wonderful. Uh. 104 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:12,520 Speaker 1: We went through a lot last year and just understanding 105 00:05:12,560 --> 00:05:15,760 Speaker 1: there's the opportunities that's ahead of us, we're attacking it 106 00:05:15,880 --> 00:05:18,719 Speaker 1: full long. Um, you know, getting an opportunity to have 107 00:05:18,839 --> 00:05:22,359 Speaker 1: fans back in the stadium and something that's, um, you know, 108 00:05:22,440 --> 00:05:25,279 Speaker 1: something we're looking forward to. We missed our fans last 109 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:27,680 Speaker 1: year and we're going to need him an entire year. 110 00:05:28,279 --> 00:05:31,400 Speaker 1: There's really no bigger quarterback to go against than Tom 111 00:05:31,440 --> 00:05:34,600 Speaker 1: Brady week one. What are you most looking forward to 112 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:36,599 Speaker 1: to going after him? Or where? You know, where do 113 00:05:36,640 --> 00:05:38,240 Speaker 1: you think you're going to be able to take advantage 114 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:41,560 Speaker 1: of that? Honestly, this would be my second time going 115 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:45,719 Speaker 1: against Tom in my career. Um, you know, being a 116 00:05:45,720 --> 00:05:48,800 Speaker 1: fan of my entire life. You know, you step with 117 00:05:48,920 --> 00:05:51,480 Speaker 1: you step on across that field and it's go time. 118 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:53,880 Speaker 1: So we're looking forward to it. We're we're preparing the 119 00:05:53,960 --> 00:05:57,520 Speaker 1: right way. Um, you know, been having this this date 120 00:05:57,600 --> 00:06:00,719 Speaker 1: marked for a while now, so to to finally have 121 00:06:00,839 --> 00:06:02,599 Speaker 1: it upon of us, you know, upon us in a 122 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:05,120 Speaker 1: couple of days. Is it's something we're looking forward to, 123 00:06:05,520 --> 00:06:07,680 Speaker 1: just being able to release all the work we've been 124 00:06:07,920 --> 00:06:10,000 Speaker 1: you know, putting in What has that work been like 125 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:12,719 Speaker 1: in the preparation been like this week because there is 126 00:06:12,760 --> 00:06:15,719 Speaker 1: that added excitement of one getting back in the game 127 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:18,360 Speaker 1: and having an entire starting group and a starting unit 128 00:06:18,400 --> 00:06:20,720 Speaker 1: back in there, but also knowing you get a chance 129 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:24,080 Speaker 1: to knock off the defending champions, the reigning Super Bowl 130 00:06:24,200 --> 00:06:27,800 Speaker 1: champs in their home stadium. How much extra emphasis has 131 00:06:27,839 --> 00:06:31,320 Speaker 1: been put on any of that throughout the preparation. Um. 132 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:37,800 Speaker 1: So one thing about you know professional sports, UM, you know, 133 00:06:37,839 --> 00:06:42,080 Speaker 1: the level is continuously like heightened, so you always want 134 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:46,640 Speaker 1: to know your terrain in going into Tampa. You know, 135 00:06:46,800 --> 00:06:49,280 Speaker 1: the reigning defending champs, there's going to be a lot 136 00:06:49,279 --> 00:06:52,840 Speaker 1: of emotion, a lot of intensity, um in the atmosphere. 137 00:06:53,400 --> 00:06:56,240 Speaker 1: But for us, it's just about controlling week control and 138 00:06:57,040 --> 00:07:00,919 Speaker 1: relying on our preparation and to allow us to succeed. 139 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:04,360 Speaker 1: So we're ready. As you guys start to go through 140 00:07:04,400 --> 00:07:06,240 Speaker 1: the rest of the season. When you're looking at film 141 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:08,520 Speaker 1: for teams you're playing for the first time, you know, 142 00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:10,320 Speaker 1: you can only do so much. Doesn't really help you 143 00:07:10,320 --> 00:07:12,720 Speaker 1: to look back on last year per se. But Tampa 144 00:07:12,760 --> 00:07:16,080 Speaker 1: Bay specifically as twenty two of their starters reigning super 145 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:19,280 Speaker 1: Bowl champs, So that's gotta means something. How beneficial is 146 00:07:19,320 --> 00:07:21,600 Speaker 1: that for you when you're preparing for them for the 147 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:24,280 Speaker 1: first game of the season knowing that they've got most 148 00:07:24,280 --> 00:07:27,040 Speaker 1: of their starters back. Yeah, you can learn a lot 149 00:07:27,080 --> 00:07:30,360 Speaker 1: from previous film, you know. Me, I still go back 150 00:07:30,360 --> 00:07:33,840 Speaker 1: and watch film from multiple years ago because you can 151 00:07:33,880 --> 00:07:37,600 Speaker 1: always pick up on different things that helps create edge. 152 00:07:38,600 --> 00:07:42,640 Speaker 1: It's all about holding yourself accountable and doing whatever you 153 00:07:42,640 --> 00:07:45,960 Speaker 1: you know, doing whatever's possible to prepare to be able 154 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:49,760 Speaker 1: to give your best. And we're so excited for a 155 00:07:49,880 --> 00:07:53,960 Speaker 1: Thursday Thursday night football coming up to open up the season, 156 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:56,920 Speaker 1: but we got to rely on our preparation and our 157 00:07:56,960 --> 00:07:59,640 Speaker 1: work and making sure we're together. What's been some of 158 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:01,720 Speaker 1: the things that whenever you've gone back and looked at 159 00:08:01,720 --> 00:08:03,960 Speaker 1: film over the last couple of years, that have stuck 160 00:08:04,040 --> 00:08:06,800 Speaker 1: out to you and something that you apply to your 161 00:08:06,840 --> 00:08:13,000 Speaker 1: game even to the day. Honestly, preparation, preparation meets opportunity. 162 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:18,320 Speaker 1: Um you know, understanding um My alignments, understanding my assignments 163 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:22,000 Speaker 1: and then you know, flying to the ball. That's that's 164 00:08:22,040 --> 00:08:25,680 Speaker 1: where we're at our best and on defense, and we're 165 00:08:25,720 --> 00:08:29,239 Speaker 1: building the right culture here. UM. Having an off season 166 00:08:29,360 --> 00:08:32,839 Speaker 1: has helped, you know, with COVID and everything and being 167 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:36,080 Speaker 1: able to have OTA's and Mini cam. It just allow 168 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:38,880 Speaker 1: us to get UM, you know, kind of acclimated to 169 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:41,839 Speaker 1: the system and UM, you know, the players and the 170 00:08:41,880 --> 00:08:45,920 Speaker 1: staff early. So we're excited, we're confident. UM. It's just 171 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:49,200 Speaker 1: about going out here and giving it our all and UM, 172 00:08:49,400 --> 00:08:51,520 Speaker 1: you know, winning is the name of the game. We 173 00:08:51,600 --> 00:08:54,880 Speaker 1: want to win. What are your expectations for the defense 174 00:08:54,920 --> 00:09:02,880 Speaker 1: this year? Dominance? Dominance, Yeah, that's that's the expectation. Nothing less, UM. 175 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:05,480 Speaker 1: And we're putting work in. We've put the work in, UM, 176 00:09:05,520 --> 00:09:07,520 Speaker 1: but you got to go do it on Sundays. We 177 00:09:07,920 --> 00:09:12,080 Speaker 1: know that we recognize that, UM, and we're motivated. What 178 00:09:12,080 --> 00:09:15,160 Speaker 1: what would you consider a dominant performance from the defense. 179 00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:20,560 Speaker 1: Let's let's say going into Thursday nights game. UM, the 180 00:09:20,600 --> 00:09:23,720 Speaker 1: ball of ball, the ball, UM, you know, winning the 181 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:28,439 Speaker 1: turnover batter matters matters, UM. And you know past few 182 00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:31,559 Speaker 1: years we haven't been able to get UM as many 183 00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:33,760 Speaker 1: turnovers that we ad you know, that we would like, 184 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:38,080 Speaker 1: especially early in the season. Um. So it's attention to detail. 185 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:41,040 Speaker 1: It's about being taught. Our coaches are doing a great 186 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:44,319 Speaker 1: job at putting us in situations, um, you know, to 187 00:09:44,520 --> 00:09:48,400 Speaker 1: get the ball and when Thursday comes, about us going 188 00:09:48,440 --> 00:09:51,040 Speaker 1: out there and doing what we know how to do. 189 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:53,160 Speaker 1: So you just gotta rely. Like I said, you gotta 190 00:09:53,200 --> 00:09:57,880 Speaker 1: rely on your preparation. Um. In preparation meets opportunity. When 191 00:09:57,920 --> 00:10:00,240 Speaker 1: it comes to some of these younger players, specifically in 192 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:03,520 Speaker 1: the linebacker room, you've got your Broke Cox Micah Parsons. 193 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:08,160 Speaker 1: What advice are you giving them for preparation? Because preseason 194 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:11,080 Speaker 1: games are still different than regular season games. So what's 195 00:10:11,080 --> 00:10:13,480 Speaker 1: your advice been to them this week as they get 196 00:10:13,480 --> 00:10:17,000 Speaker 1: ready for their first NFL game? Man, it's the real deal. 197 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:23,280 Speaker 1: Regular season begins, and attention to detail matters. So for me, 198 00:10:23,360 --> 00:10:26,600 Speaker 1: being a leader, you know, just making sure you know 199 00:10:26,640 --> 00:10:30,360 Speaker 1: that they're doing the little things right. We got a 200 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:33,880 Speaker 1: bunch of guys who can play, you know, all across 201 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:37,720 Speaker 1: all of our positions, especially on defense. So it's just 202 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:41,280 Speaker 1: about knowing, knowing what you have to do and knowing 203 00:10:41,320 --> 00:10:44,840 Speaker 1: to know, you know, having that full confidence of going 204 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:49,439 Speaker 1: out there and executing your job and making plays. We've 205 00:10:49,440 --> 00:10:51,040 Speaker 1: been playing the game our whole life, so it's just 206 00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:54,520 Speaker 1: about finding a way to continue to get better. We 207 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:56,520 Speaker 1: know that you are a leader in that locker room, 208 00:10:56,520 --> 00:10:58,480 Speaker 1: and you're very vocal in the way that you you 209 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:01,160 Speaker 1: kind of teach the game to show those younger players. 210 00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:04,640 Speaker 1: Were there any conversations or lessons that were learned or 211 00:11:04,679 --> 00:11:07,280 Speaker 1: taught even by you throughout the preseason to some of 212 00:11:07,280 --> 00:11:11,520 Speaker 1: those younger guys on the sideline or maybe throughout practices. Yeah, 213 00:11:11,520 --> 00:11:14,800 Speaker 1: a lot of film study, a lot of film study 214 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:18,680 Speaker 1: has has definitely presented opportunities, you know for me to help, 215 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:21,440 Speaker 1: you know, teach you know, the young guys, and but 216 00:11:21,520 --> 00:11:25,480 Speaker 1: for me, I'm learning myself. I'm a sponge, I'm young, 217 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:28,840 Speaker 1: still young, twenty six with a lot of ball left, 218 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:32,600 Speaker 1: so I'm I'm always trying to soak in, you know, 219 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:37,120 Speaker 1: knowledge from those before me, and you know, from teammates 220 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:39,160 Speaker 1: that are younger than me. You can always learn, so 221 00:11:39,679 --> 00:11:41,880 Speaker 1: I probe myself on that. Is that crazy? The fact 222 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:44,520 Speaker 1: that we're asking you about talking to the younger guys 223 00:11:44,520 --> 00:11:46,439 Speaker 1: whenever you're just twenty six years old, like You've got 224 00:11:46,440 --> 00:11:49,400 Speaker 1: plenty of football left in here. I feel like a 225 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:51,680 Speaker 1: lot of it has just become the fact that you've 226 00:11:51,720 --> 00:11:54,040 Speaker 1: been around this defense for so long and you've been 227 00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:56,439 Speaker 1: in the middle of it for what is now going 228 00:11:56,440 --> 00:12:02,040 Speaker 1: on five to six years. Absolutely, I mean that that's 229 00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:04,160 Speaker 1: the other token of it is like, yeah, okay, I'm 230 00:12:04,200 --> 00:12:09,680 Speaker 1: gonna I'm the oldest, oldest but not old. Yeah, oldest 231 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:12,319 Speaker 1: but not old. Yeah. Six. You know, I've you know, 232 00:12:12,360 --> 00:12:15,440 Speaker 1: I've been around, I know my way around. Um. And 233 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:18,679 Speaker 1: it's just a privilege though, it's something that you you 234 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:22,320 Speaker 1: have to earn. Um. I've went through what I've learned, um, 235 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:25,319 Speaker 1: and I'm ready. So just it's all about doing whatever 236 00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:27,880 Speaker 1: it takes, you know, for this team to be successful. Well, 237 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:29,840 Speaker 1: we are excited to have you as a part of 238 00:12:29,880 --> 00:12:32,600 Speaker 1: the Miller Lake Cowboys Hour for the first episode of 239 00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:35,079 Speaker 1: the season when we come back. Just how much is 240 00:12:35,240 --> 00:12:38,240 Speaker 1: dan Quinn's defense is compared to the ones that Jalen 241 00:12:38,280 --> 00:12:39,959 Speaker 1: Smith has been in in the past. When we come 242 00:12:39,960 --> 00:12:41,640 Speaker 1: back on the other side of the break, you're listening 243 00:12:41,720 --> 00:12:44,120 Speaker 1: to the Miller Lake Cowboys Hour live from the Star 244 00:12:44,240 --> 00:15:52,680 Speaker 1: in Frisco to the Miller Like Cowboys, our supported by 245 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:58,920 Speaker 1: Albertson's and Omni Hotels and Resorts. When it comes time 246 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:02,000 Speaker 1: to shop for Till Gay favorites, go to Albertson's and 247 00:16:02,200 --> 00:16:05,520 Speaker 1: Tom Thumb. Get ten percent off your groceries every Dallas 248 00:16:05,560 --> 00:16:08,640 Speaker 1: Cowboys game day when you wear your Cowboys jersey. Albertsons 249 00:16:08,720 --> 00:16:12,000 Speaker 1: and Tom Thumb, the official supermarket and pharmacy of the 250 00:16:12,080 --> 00:16:15,480 Speaker 1: Dallas Cowboys, and Luke Casey, the official bootmaker of the 251 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:18,960 Speaker 1: Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Welcome back into the Miller Like Cowboys 252 00:16:18,960 --> 00:16:22,320 Speaker 1: Hour live from the Star in Frisco alongside Danny Serek. 253 00:16:22,360 --> 00:16:25,160 Speaker 1: We are pleased to be joined by Jalen Smith, linebacker 254 00:16:25,200 --> 00:16:28,520 Speaker 1: for the Dallas Cowboys, and we've got a live audience 255 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:31,400 Speaker 1: for the first time in two years for the Cowboys Hour, 256 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:33,640 Speaker 1: which is kind of what we were talking about in 257 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:36,040 Speaker 1: the break there a little bit Jalen of just how 258 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:38,080 Speaker 1: special it is to be back in front of a 259 00:16:38,080 --> 00:16:40,680 Speaker 1: full crowd and you're gonna have an opportunity to do 260 00:16:40,760 --> 00:16:43,840 Speaker 1: that on Thursday against Tampa Bay. How does that make 261 00:16:43,880 --> 00:16:47,080 Speaker 1: this season and this past offseason just feel a little 262 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:49,600 Speaker 1: bit different going into a year where you know it's 263 00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:55,280 Speaker 1: back to normal, just you know, going through you know, 264 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 1: the year at twenty twenty and all the adjustments we 265 00:16:58,240 --> 00:17:02,480 Speaker 1: had to May and due to you know the world pandemic. Um. 266 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:06,240 Speaker 1: It just makes you appreciate, uh, you know the little things, 267 00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,800 Speaker 1: you know, being able to, um go outside, being able 268 00:17:09,840 --> 00:17:12,119 Speaker 1: to you know, go to a game and you know, 269 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,680 Speaker 1: your parents can come to the stadium and things of 270 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:17,520 Speaker 1: that nature. Like it's uh, it's something that we're really 271 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:20,560 Speaker 1: looking forward to. You know, all the chants, um, you 272 00:17:20,600 --> 00:17:23,199 Speaker 1: know we have you know, we're we're America's teams. So 273 00:17:23,320 --> 00:17:27,960 Speaker 1: we have Dallas Cowboys fans and every you know continent, 274 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:32,280 Speaker 1: every city, um, you name it. So it really helps 275 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:34,840 Speaker 1: you know when you're out there on the field and um, 276 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:37,240 Speaker 1: you know that support system is there, you know, other 277 00:17:37,280 --> 00:17:40,600 Speaker 1: than you know, the guys that you're going to battle with. UM. 278 00:17:40,640 --> 00:17:44,200 Speaker 1: You know. So we're we're definitely gonna cherish everything. UM, 279 00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:46,320 Speaker 1: but we gotta we gotta do what we you know, 280 00:17:46,359 --> 00:17:50,440 Speaker 1: what we're paid to dot ball. You say, little things. 281 00:17:50,440 --> 00:17:52,600 Speaker 1: But one of the big changes that was able to 282 00:17:52,600 --> 00:17:55,080 Speaker 1: come back this year was going out to Oxnard for 283 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:57,800 Speaker 1: training camp. And especially when you have a new defensive 284 00:17:57,800 --> 00:18:01,800 Speaker 1: coordinator and Dan Quinn, that's huge in terms of implementing 285 00:18:01,840 --> 00:18:04,560 Speaker 1: his new defense in person with you because last year 286 00:18:04,560 --> 00:18:06,199 Speaker 1: and when you guys had a new defensive corner, it 287 00:18:06,240 --> 00:18:10,840 Speaker 1: was virtual. So having that time in person in Oxnard 288 00:18:10,880 --> 00:18:13,920 Speaker 1: with dan Quinn, how much has that helped this defense 289 00:18:14,040 --> 00:18:17,159 Speaker 1: to understand his schemes so quickly and feel ready to 290 00:18:17,200 --> 00:18:21,240 Speaker 1: go for this first game? Just being able to like really, 291 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:26,520 Speaker 1: you know, get that hands on um from walkthroughs to 292 00:18:28,359 --> 00:18:32,000 Speaker 1: meetings to you know, in person meetings. Being able to 293 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:34,960 Speaker 1: touch somebody likes it matters, you know what I'm saying. 294 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:38,040 Speaker 1: When you're trying to build a team and a culture 295 00:18:38,040 --> 00:18:42,399 Speaker 1: and identity, you know, it can become difficult, you know, 296 00:18:42,400 --> 00:18:45,600 Speaker 1: when you're not present. But obviously we had to take 297 00:18:45,640 --> 00:18:49,520 Speaker 1: those precautions. So it's really just a blessing. Like I said, 298 00:18:49,560 --> 00:18:52,720 Speaker 1: we're we're cherishing every moment. We're doing everything that we can, 299 00:18:53,800 --> 00:18:57,239 Speaker 1: you know, to prepare the right way for a victorious season. Um, 300 00:18:57,359 --> 00:18:58,840 Speaker 1: you just gotta take them one day at a time. 301 00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:01,600 Speaker 1: So that's what we're doing. You mentioned the hands on 302 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:04,119 Speaker 1: approach from dan Quinn, and he's been hands on with 303 00:19:04,160 --> 00:19:06,280 Speaker 1: the linebackers. He's done it with a defensive line. It 304 00:19:06,280 --> 00:19:08,760 Speaker 1: seems like every practice he was out with a different 305 00:19:08,880 --> 00:19:12,000 Speaker 1: unit of the defense. How is his coaching style and 306 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:14,640 Speaker 1: teaching style differed from some of the coordinators that you've 307 00:19:14,640 --> 00:19:19,600 Speaker 1: had in the past. You know, with Dan Um, I know, 308 00:19:19,640 --> 00:19:22,000 Speaker 1: he's a he's a former head coach, you know, coming 309 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:26,840 Speaker 1: from Atlanta, So UM, he understands UH perspective and he 310 00:19:26,920 --> 00:19:29,840 Speaker 1: understands exactly what he wants to get out of you know, 311 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:32,879 Speaker 1: all of his players. UM. So you just gotta you 312 00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:36,639 Speaker 1: gotta cherish that. UM. You know, we're still learning. UM. 313 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:39,320 Speaker 1: You know, his rules and his you know, foundations of 314 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:42,720 Speaker 1: you know, kind of what UM you know defines him 315 00:19:42,720 --> 00:19:46,560 Speaker 1: as a man. UM. But over time, you learn, you 316 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:50,040 Speaker 1: you grow, you adapt, UH, And that's really what we're doing. 317 00:19:50,080 --> 00:19:53,280 Speaker 1: That's what he's doing. UM. You know the speed of 318 00:19:53,280 --> 00:19:55,800 Speaker 1: the leaders, the speed of the pack, and UM. You know, 319 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:59,639 Speaker 1: Dan's won a great job at UM directing us. This 320 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:03,800 Speaker 1: is your third defensive coordinator in three years. So throughout 321 00:20:03,920 --> 00:20:07,240 Speaker 1: those changes, what have you learned about yourself? Whether that's 322 00:20:07,280 --> 00:20:10,399 Speaker 1: something you bring consistently on the field or maybe throughout 323 00:20:10,400 --> 00:20:17,360 Speaker 1: your preparation, just understanding different styles. For me, it's about 324 00:20:18,960 --> 00:20:24,040 Speaker 1: you know, knowing exactly what my responsibility is and knowing 325 00:20:24,119 --> 00:20:28,399 Speaker 1: exactly the technique on how to accomplish that. UM. You know, 326 00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:30,600 Speaker 1: the more you know and the more I know, the 327 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:35,240 Speaker 1: more successful. UM that I am on the field these 328 00:20:35,240 --> 00:20:39,119 Speaker 1: past three years is understanding that team matters and you 329 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:42,479 Speaker 1: can't do it alone. UM. You know, all of us 330 00:20:42,520 --> 00:20:46,040 Speaker 1: need each other to be successful. UM. You know, so 331 00:20:46,080 --> 00:20:48,520 Speaker 1: going through all the trials and triplations that we've gone through, 332 00:20:48,560 --> 00:20:52,919 Speaker 1: we you know, build strength, to builds character and you know, 333 00:20:52,920 --> 00:20:58,520 Speaker 1: we just we're feeding positive energy and positive thoughts into 334 00:20:58,640 --> 00:21:00,480 Speaker 1: what we've got going on right now. So we're on 335 00:21:00,520 --> 00:21:02,720 Speaker 1: the right track, on the right track. So kind of 336 00:21:02,800 --> 00:21:05,320 Speaker 1: keeping along those same lines you mentioned kind of the 337 00:21:05,359 --> 00:21:07,359 Speaker 1: trials that you went through in twenty twenty, and I 338 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:09,359 Speaker 1: want to keep it positive and put a spin on it. 339 00:21:09,400 --> 00:21:11,760 Speaker 1: But what was what was the biggest lesson that you 340 00:21:11,920 --> 00:21:15,359 Speaker 1: learned throughout that season and through where really what was 341 00:21:15,400 --> 00:21:18,800 Speaker 1: a tough time for this defense? No matter what, you 342 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:24,080 Speaker 1: gotta keep digging, You gotta keep digging, You gotta keep digging. Um, 343 00:21:24,520 --> 00:21:29,160 Speaker 1: you know, the good, the bad, the success, the failures. UM, 344 00:21:29,560 --> 00:21:32,919 Speaker 1: you know, not having a winning season, UM you know 345 00:21:32,960 --> 00:21:36,240 Speaker 1: you learn from it, You learn from it, and UM, 346 00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:38,399 Speaker 1: you know you can can you can develop it. You 347 00:21:38,720 --> 00:21:42,000 Speaker 1: can develop a pain body from that, or you can um, 348 00:21:42,080 --> 00:21:43,800 Speaker 1: you know, use it and view it as a lesson. 349 00:21:44,040 --> 00:21:47,680 Speaker 1: And and that's what we've all done, UM, and that's 350 00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:50,359 Speaker 1: pretty much what's got us here. UM. You know this 351 00:21:50,400 --> 00:21:53,359 Speaker 1: point to you know, be be ready, be ready for 352 00:21:53,440 --> 00:21:57,080 Speaker 1: Week one. There's a lot of new faces on this defense. 353 00:21:57,600 --> 00:22:03,439 Speaker 1: Most of the draft picks positions thereout, whether that's just 354 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:06,720 Speaker 1: with the linebackers or defense in general. What excites you 355 00:22:06,760 --> 00:22:11,159 Speaker 1: the most about this defense? We all care for one another, 356 00:22:11,600 --> 00:22:15,040 Speaker 1: and you know, whoever you put in there, you know 357 00:22:15,240 --> 00:22:20,720 Speaker 1: has the ability to BALLUM. So knowing that, having that confidence, 358 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:25,720 Speaker 1: that depth, it matters because it's a long season, especially 359 00:22:25,920 --> 00:22:28,680 Speaker 1: just the dreams and where we're trying to go UM 360 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:32,120 Speaker 1: this year. You know you you you need everyone. It 361 00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:36,080 Speaker 1: takes everyone. We understand that. We value that UM and 362 00:22:36,080 --> 00:22:39,560 Speaker 1: we're just pushing. Danny mentioned the draft picks, who has 363 00:22:39,600 --> 00:22:42,720 Speaker 1: stood out to you the most throughout training camp and 364 00:22:42,720 --> 00:22:44,960 Speaker 1: then into the preseason and now as we get ready 365 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:48,680 Speaker 1: for week one. Out of those draft picks, I would 366 00:22:48,760 --> 00:22:54,040 Speaker 1: probably say also, Um, just the way he uses his 367 00:22:54,119 --> 00:22:59,680 Speaker 1: hands really really impressed me. His energy, his attention to 368 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:03,720 Speaker 1: de hell Um and he's a guy that's um gonna 369 00:23:03,720 --> 00:23:06,040 Speaker 1: do some great things for us. UM. He's a young buck. 370 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:07,760 Speaker 1: We need all we need it. We need our young 371 00:23:07,800 --> 00:23:11,800 Speaker 1: guys to play great UM. And that's just the expectation 372 00:23:11,880 --> 00:23:14,520 Speaker 1: across the board, no matter if you're year ten or 373 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:19,240 Speaker 1: year year one. UM. And everyone's held to that standard. UM. 374 00:23:19,280 --> 00:23:22,040 Speaker 1: And if it's right, if it's not right, we're gonna 375 00:23:22,040 --> 00:23:27,120 Speaker 1: get it right. Somebody gonna say something. UM. So that's 376 00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:30,000 Speaker 1: that's really where where where we are. Well, let's talk 377 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:33,719 Speaker 1: about another rookie in your linebacker room, Micah Parsons twelfth 378 00:23:33,840 --> 00:23:37,800 Speaker 1: overall pick. What has impressed you most about him so far? 379 00:23:38,960 --> 00:23:44,399 Speaker 1: Really just his ability to, you know, be anywhere on 380 00:23:44,480 --> 00:23:47,520 Speaker 1: the field. He can dominate, he can rush, he can 381 00:23:47,560 --> 00:23:52,400 Speaker 1: pass rush, he can tackle, he can run, he can cover. UM, 382 00:23:52,600 --> 00:23:56,760 Speaker 1: it's not there's not many limitations in this game, UM, 383 00:23:56,880 --> 00:24:00,600 Speaker 1: especially being so young. It's just beautiful seeing that. UM. 384 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:04,080 Speaker 1: So for for Mica, it's just about nurturing that UM 385 00:24:04,160 --> 00:24:07,040 Speaker 1: and just doing things the right way. I mean, he's 386 00:24:07,080 --> 00:24:10,000 Speaker 1: on track. He's on track. But no surprise, there's no 387 00:24:10,040 --> 00:24:14,720 Speaker 1: surprise what Mica can do because you know he's I've 388 00:24:14,760 --> 00:24:17,080 Speaker 1: always been his big brother. For a while now, so 389 00:24:17,600 --> 00:24:20,280 Speaker 1: I know what he could do. Uh, we get a 390 00:24:20,359 --> 00:24:22,560 Speaker 1: chance to do it together. It's a blessing, that's right, 391 00:24:22,560 --> 00:24:25,440 Speaker 1: because you guys has started talking and getting to know 392 00:24:25,520 --> 00:24:28,320 Speaker 1: each other before they drops, right, how did that relationship start? 393 00:24:29,720 --> 00:24:33,160 Speaker 1: Really just I don't really know how I started, honestly, 394 00:24:33,160 --> 00:24:35,720 Speaker 1: I just know one it was one day where we 395 00:24:35,960 --> 00:24:39,560 Speaker 1: got each other numbers or we linked up on maybe FaceTime, 396 00:24:39,680 --> 00:24:42,520 Speaker 1: and we've been locked in and ever since, you know, 397 00:24:42,520 --> 00:24:44,440 Speaker 1: he's been a big fan of my you know, myself 398 00:24:44,480 --> 00:24:47,440 Speaker 1: and you know everything that I've gone through and uh, 399 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:50,120 Speaker 1: you know me just watching all the you know, top 400 00:24:50,160 --> 00:24:53,280 Speaker 1: grade linebackers coming out, it's just a um there's a 401 00:24:53,320 --> 00:24:57,119 Speaker 1: there's a deeper connection, um just by you know, by nature. 402 00:24:57,240 --> 00:25:00,360 Speaker 1: So being able to have him as a teammate, it's 403 00:25:00,400 --> 00:25:04,000 Speaker 1: just a wonderful thing. I gonna do some great things together, 404 00:25:04,080 --> 00:25:06,800 Speaker 1: and I'm really excited for him, Uh, you know, planning 405 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:10,120 Speaker 1: this first game coming this Thursday. We were talking, sorry 406 00:25:10,160 --> 00:25:12,560 Speaker 1: a little bit before you hopped on about it's not 407 00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:15,119 Speaker 1: only so great that like Micah brings so much to 408 00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:17,520 Speaker 1: the table, but how that's going to affect all the 409 00:25:17,520 --> 00:25:20,480 Speaker 1: other linebackers. So just talking about you know, all those 410 00:25:20,600 --> 00:25:23,040 Speaker 1: qualities that Micah brings. How is that going to allow 411 00:25:23,080 --> 00:25:26,680 Speaker 1: the other linebackers, you, Layton Vanderesh, all these other linebackers, 412 00:25:26,720 --> 00:25:29,840 Speaker 1: How's it going to allow you to elevate your own game? 413 00:25:31,880 --> 00:25:36,040 Speaker 1: I mean when you're in a room full of um, 414 00:25:36,240 --> 00:25:39,800 Speaker 1: you know, elite talent, um and guys that care in, 415 00:25:39,960 --> 00:25:43,159 Speaker 1: guys that have been successful, um, you know in the 416 00:25:43,240 --> 00:25:47,360 Speaker 1: league or in college. Um, it just creates a natural 417 00:25:47,440 --> 00:25:51,480 Speaker 1: overall camaraderie. UM. So with the addition of Micah and 418 00:25:51,960 --> 00:25:56,040 Speaker 1: uh Jabrill and um we got you know, we got 419 00:25:56,160 --> 00:25:59,280 Speaker 1: Keiki Keyan O'Neil that came over from Atlanta. You know, 420 00:25:59,359 --> 00:26:03,680 Speaker 1: our guys that can ball. Um, it just creates energy. Um. 421 00:26:03,720 --> 00:26:06,879 Speaker 1: Even guys that's that aren't special teams. Luke Goofford, like 422 00:26:07,760 --> 00:26:11,720 Speaker 1: you know, he can ball. So it's just a common denominator. 423 00:26:12,040 --> 00:26:14,240 Speaker 1: And we just got to continue to hold each other accountable. 424 00:26:14,240 --> 00:26:18,520 Speaker 1: Who's ever out there, UM, gotta give it they all. Now, 425 00:26:18,960 --> 00:26:21,080 Speaker 1: whenever you said you were linking up with Michael Parsons, 426 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:22,520 Speaker 1: I thought for a second you were gonna say it 427 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:26,000 Speaker 1: was via LinkedIn, just since you were request it was 428 00:26:26,040 --> 00:26:28,480 Speaker 1: like like, hey, hey, I'm going to the league I 429 00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:30,800 Speaker 1: want to try and make a connection here. Uh, it 430 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:33,320 Speaker 1: didn't happen that way. And I'm certain that he has 431 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:35,480 Speaker 1: learned a lot from you in his short amount of 432 00:26:35,520 --> 00:26:38,200 Speaker 1: time here. But kind of flipping that around, how much 433 00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:40,359 Speaker 1: have you learned from Michael Parsons in his short amount 434 00:26:40,400 --> 00:26:43,040 Speaker 1: of time here? I learned I've learned a lot from him. 435 00:26:43,160 --> 00:26:46,720 Speaker 1: I learned a lot from him. Um. You know, his high, 436 00:26:47,040 --> 00:26:52,199 Speaker 1: high moves, his body is transition, his um his elite 437 00:26:52,240 --> 00:26:55,600 Speaker 1: pass rush ability. Um. You know, when you're when you're 438 00:26:55,600 --> 00:26:57,920 Speaker 1: a real student of the game, you you can learn 439 00:26:57,960 --> 00:27:01,919 Speaker 1: from anyone. Um. Just me being able to get a 440 00:27:01,960 --> 00:27:04,919 Speaker 1: grasp on him and Drabrill and all the new guys 441 00:27:04,960 --> 00:27:09,840 Speaker 1: coming in, Keanu transitioning from safety to linebacker. You know, 442 00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:13,560 Speaker 1: there's different movements that I love about him. Uh Leyton 443 00:27:13,680 --> 00:27:19,120 Speaker 1: vander esh Um, Yeah, finally back healthy. I'm happy for him. Um, 444 00:27:19,760 --> 00:27:22,520 Speaker 1: you know, he's a dog and you know, I'm I'm 445 00:27:22,640 --> 00:27:24,879 Speaker 1: confident in myself. I know what I can do. Um, 446 00:27:25,560 --> 00:27:29,000 Speaker 1: you know, just got to continue to do what I do. Uh, 447 00:27:29,040 --> 00:27:31,160 Speaker 1: it's it's a it's a blessing though. We're we got 448 00:27:31,160 --> 00:27:33,400 Speaker 1: a bunch of guys that can contribute at a high 449 00:27:33,520 --> 00:27:36,720 Speaker 1: level and all that does has helped the team. So 450 00:27:37,440 --> 00:27:39,560 Speaker 1: as long as we're together, that's all that matters. It 451 00:27:39,640 --> 00:27:43,040 Speaker 1: really does feel different with that defense, especially in the middle, 452 00:27:43,080 --> 00:27:45,159 Speaker 1: with all those guys and all the pieces that have 453 00:27:45,280 --> 00:27:47,960 Speaker 1: been being put together. But there also is something new 454 00:27:48,359 --> 00:27:50,439 Speaker 1: with Jalen Smith's game, and it might have you might 455 00:27:50,480 --> 00:27:53,119 Speaker 1: have noticed throughout the preseason there was a different number 456 00:27:53,359 --> 00:27:55,119 Speaker 1: on the jersey. We're gonna talk about that when we 457 00:27:55,160 --> 00:27:57,000 Speaker 1: come back on the other side of the break with 458 00:27:57,080 --> 00:27:59,600 Speaker 1: more of the Miller Light Cowboys our line from the 459 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:03,919 Speaker 1: Star and Frisco. But first, Danny Better Ingredients, better Pizza, 460 00:28:04,040 --> 00:28:07,359 Speaker 1: Papa John's, the official pizza of the Dallas Cowboys, and 461 00:28:07,440 --> 00:28:09,879 Speaker 1: at Omni Frisco Hotel. Kick off your stay at the 462 00:28:09,960 --> 00:28:13,320 Speaker 1: official hotel of the Dallas Cowboys, whist style cool off 463 00:28:13,320 --> 00:28:17,560 Speaker 1: in the elevated pool, saver upscale comfort food at neighborhood services, 464 00:28:17,760 --> 00:28:20,480 Speaker 1: and enjoy all the dining and entertainment options the Star 465 00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:23,920 Speaker 1: has to offer. Visit omnihotels dot com slash Frisco to 466 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:26,399 Speaker 1: learn more and turn the next home game into a 467 00:28:26,480 --> 00:31:31,640 Speaker 1: weekend getaway. We'll be right back to the Miller Like 468 00:31:31,880 --> 00:31:38,520 Speaker 1: Cowboys Hour supported by Albertsons and Omni Hotels and Resorts. 469 00:31:38,600 --> 00:31:41,240 Speaker 1: Miller Like Cowboys Hour is brought to you by Jack 470 00:31:41,280 --> 00:31:44,240 Speaker 1: Black Skincare. Want to use what the pros use? Jack 471 00:31:44,240 --> 00:31:47,360 Speaker 1: Black is the official men's skincare brand of the Dallas Cowboys. 472 00:31:47,440 --> 00:31:51,040 Speaker 1: Visit get Jack Black dot com today. So glad you're 473 00:31:51,080 --> 00:31:53,480 Speaker 1: with us here for the Miller Like Cowboys Hour from 474 00:31:53,520 --> 00:31:56,440 Speaker 1: the Star in Frisco, the first one of the twenty 475 00:31:56,480 --> 00:31:59,040 Speaker 1: twenty one regular season, and it is also sweet to 476 00:31:59,080 --> 00:32:02,040 Speaker 1: be backfilling in for a cham. I'm Kyle Yeoman, Dandy Serek, 477 00:32:02,200 --> 00:32:06,120 Speaker 1: and our special guest today, linebacker Jalen Smith and Jaylen. 478 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:08,520 Speaker 1: I want to ask you what are you most excited 479 00:32:08,560 --> 00:32:10,520 Speaker 1: about now that the season is back and you get 480 00:32:10,560 --> 00:32:13,400 Speaker 1: to go into Week one? Sure, the Super Bowl champions 481 00:32:13,600 --> 00:32:15,719 Speaker 1: are on the horizon, but what are you most excited 482 00:32:15,720 --> 00:32:22,280 Speaker 1: about heading into Thursday night? Really completing our preparation? Um, 483 00:32:22,680 --> 00:32:26,280 Speaker 1: completing our preparation that way. Uh, you know, once you 484 00:32:26,320 --> 00:32:29,080 Speaker 1: get all your game plan in, it's like, okay, and 485 00:32:29,280 --> 00:32:31,920 Speaker 1: did all my work outn't watched all my film? Like, 486 00:32:32,080 --> 00:32:35,440 Speaker 1: now it's just time to go out and do um. 487 00:32:35,760 --> 00:32:37,240 Speaker 1: You know what I've been doing since I was seven 488 00:32:37,320 --> 00:32:40,880 Speaker 1: years old. Um, that's that's really the biggest thing, just 489 00:32:41,080 --> 00:32:45,040 Speaker 1: locked in, hounding, you know, hounded in on this game plan. Um, 490 00:32:45,280 --> 00:32:47,280 Speaker 1: that's really the main focus for all of us right 491 00:32:47,320 --> 00:32:51,400 Speaker 1: now week one. Um. You know we're we're motivated, We're focused. 492 00:32:52,720 --> 00:32:55,239 Speaker 1: That's it. And when you step onto the field, you're 493 00:32:55,280 --> 00:32:58,360 Speaker 1: gonna look a little different than you have last couple 494 00:32:58,360 --> 00:33:01,640 Speaker 1: of years in that Dallas Cowboy jersey. You're no longer 495 00:33:01,680 --> 00:33:04,600 Speaker 1: going to be wearing fifty four. Now you're rocking number nine. 496 00:33:05,080 --> 00:33:07,520 Speaker 1: That rule change this year, so you're not limited to 497 00:33:07,560 --> 00:33:10,600 Speaker 1: a certain number based on your position. Was there any 498 00:33:10,640 --> 00:33:13,360 Speaker 1: hesitation or were you like, oh, I gotta go get nine. 499 00:33:13,400 --> 00:33:15,560 Speaker 1: That was my number in Notre Dame, Like no hesitation, 500 00:33:15,840 --> 00:33:21,320 Speaker 1: I want it? No, there was Yeah, I've been number 501 00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:25,080 Speaker 1: nine my whole life. So um, it's kind of helped me. 502 00:33:25,520 --> 00:33:28,080 Speaker 1: It's kind of helped guide me through you know, all 503 00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:31,000 Speaker 1: all that I've been through throughout my entire life is 504 00:33:31,280 --> 00:33:34,360 Speaker 1: you know, helped me remain um, you know, aware and 505 00:33:34,480 --> 00:33:38,800 Speaker 1: strong and humble and um, you know, just kind of 506 00:33:38,840 --> 00:33:42,360 Speaker 1: created a safe haveing wearing a number and understanding you 507 00:33:42,360 --> 00:33:45,840 Speaker 1: know the meaning of behind it, what it symbolizes, and 508 00:33:46,440 --> 00:33:49,840 Speaker 1: just being able to rocket in the Dallas Cowboys uniform. 509 00:33:50,040 --> 00:33:54,240 Speaker 1: Is It's wonderful something I'd ever imagined because of the rule. 510 00:33:54,520 --> 00:33:59,360 Speaker 1: But the energy works in different in mysterious ways, and 511 00:33:59,400 --> 00:34:03,440 Speaker 1: the rule of change changes in twenty twenty one, and um, 512 00:34:03,480 --> 00:34:06,920 Speaker 1: now I'm back at number nine, so we're looking forward 513 00:34:06,920 --> 00:34:08,799 Speaker 1: to it. We got some fans here who have the 514 00:34:08,840 --> 00:34:11,000 Speaker 1: fifty four jerseys. They're gonna have to go get some new. 515 00:34:12,040 --> 00:34:14,080 Speaker 1: We gotta get some. We gotta get some. We gotta 516 00:34:14,080 --> 00:34:18,360 Speaker 1: get we gotta we gotta talk to the cowboys man merchandise. 517 00:34:18,360 --> 00:34:21,319 Speaker 1: We gotta get to some number nine. The nines back out. 518 00:34:21,320 --> 00:34:23,120 Speaker 1: We gotta get them. We gotta get them out there. 519 00:34:23,200 --> 00:34:26,800 Speaker 1: Man's uh, every time I log onto any of my 520 00:34:26,920 --> 00:34:29,960 Speaker 1: social media, it's like, oh when the number nine dropping, 521 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:33,319 Speaker 1: whens the number. It looks like, Man, I don't got 522 00:34:33,320 --> 00:34:37,040 Speaker 1: no control over that, but I pray that it comes soon. Yeah, exactly. 523 00:34:37,120 --> 00:34:42,400 Speaker 1: My mama need a jersey. Now. You mentioned kind of 524 00:34:42,440 --> 00:34:45,040 Speaker 1: vaguely about the meeting of the number to you and 525 00:34:45,080 --> 00:34:47,400 Speaker 1: your family, But what is that meeting? What is the 526 00:34:47,440 --> 00:34:52,520 Speaker 1: story behind the number? Yeah? So number nine like it, um, 527 00:34:52,560 --> 00:34:58,279 Speaker 1: it resembles. It's all about awareness. It's all about completeness 528 00:34:58,320 --> 00:35:02,000 Speaker 1: and wholeness. U. But nine is the strongest single digit number. 529 00:35:03,680 --> 00:35:07,920 Speaker 1: And then and it's just so safe. It's so safe. 530 00:35:08,160 --> 00:35:11,920 Speaker 1: It's like I said, it's guided me throughout my entire life. 531 00:35:12,520 --> 00:35:15,480 Speaker 1: If you add up all the single digit numbers, that 532 00:35:15,560 --> 00:35:20,879 Speaker 1: equals thirty six six pots three equals nine. You take 533 00:35:20,920 --> 00:35:25,000 Speaker 1: thirty six foot a zero behind it, it's three to sixty, um, 534 00:35:25,200 --> 00:35:28,800 Speaker 1: which is full circle. And for me, it's about being whole. 535 00:35:28,880 --> 00:35:32,560 Speaker 1: It's about being whole and um, and that's really you know, 536 00:35:32,680 --> 00:35:34,719 Speaker 1: kind of how I live my life. It's all about 537 00:35:34,760 --> 00:35:39,920 Speaker 1: the cycle. Um. I'm really tapped into the four elements 538 00:35:39,920 --> 00:35:44,719 Speaker 1: as well, and fire, earth, water and air and um, 539 00:35:44,840 --> 00:35:48,840 Speaker 1: you're just finding balance. Um, you know between you know 540 00:35:48,920 --> 00:35:52,640 Speaker 1: what God gave us in life source and in the 541 00:35:52,800 --> 00:35:57,919 Speaker 1: knowledge human knowledge. So I learned a lot. Um. I'm 542 00:35:58,080 --> 00:36:02,160 Speaker 1: very strategic, but my mom always taught me to be observant. 543 00:36:02,200 --> 00:36:05,879 Speaker 1: So UM, I'm just just happy to be here. There 544 00:36:05,960 --> 00:36:07,719 Speaker 1: was one point growing up when I played soccer and 545 00:36:07,719 --> 00:36:10,080 Speaker 1: I wore number nine, but it was not that insightful 546 00:36:10,400 --> 00:36:12,520 Speaker 1: because the soccer player I liked me a ham was 547 00:36:12,600 --> 00:36:16,719 Speaker 1: like nine. Like, it was not that insightful. So I 548 00:36:16,719 --> 00:36:19,239 Speaker 1: like your reasoning a lot. Number nine is also my 549 00:36:19,280 --> 00:36:23,560 Speaker 1: favorite number, and I love odd numbers, so it looks 550 00:36:23,600 --> 00:36:26,120 Speaker 1: it looks unique. And you wore fifty four or five 551 00:36:26,200 --> 00:36:29,319 Speaker 1: plus four equals nine, So I mean you've done that 552 00:36:29,560 --> 00:36:31,760 Speaker 1: in the past. You've kind of had your your little 553 00:36:31,880 --> 00:36:34,520 Speaker 1: your spin on it previously. What was that day like 554 00:36:34,640 --> 00:36:37,359 Speaker 1: when you heard the rule change might happen and there 555 00:36:37,440 --> 00:36:39,839 Speaker 1: was maybe some words starting to get to you. How 556 00:36:39,880 --> 00:36:41,759 Speaker 1: exciting was that to kind of know, like, hey, I 557 00:36:41,840 --> 00:36:44,920 Speaker 1: might have a chance at this. I didn't believe it, 558 00:36:45,000 --> 00:36:49,000 Speaker 1: but um, you know, once it was confirmed, it was like, Okay, 559 00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:52,160 Speaker 1: we gotta go. We gotta get this number nine. I 560 00:36:52,160 --> 00:36:55,560 Speaker 1: gotta I gotta carry on Tony's legacy, you know what 561 00:36:55,640 --> 00:36:58,480 Speaker 1: I'm saying. And was able to have a great conversation 562 00:36:58,520 --> 00:37:01,440 Speaker 1: with with Jerry and um, you know, he blessed me 563 00:37:01,480 --> 00:37:05,120 Speaker 1: with it. So we're in it with great honor. Um. 564 00:37:05,160 --> 00:37:09,239 Speaker 1: But we have so much to to to prove and 565 00:37:09,239 --> 00:37:13,319 Speaker 1: to accomplish this year. Um, that that's the focus. Let 566 00:37:13,320 --> 00:37:15,600 Speaker 1: me ask you a question that when the numbers changed, 567 00:37:15,640 --> 00:37:18,280 Speaker 1: at least kind of in the media, we were talking about, 568 00:37:18,440 --> 00:37:20,479 Speaker 1: is is it going to be harder? At least early 569 00:37:20,520 --> 00:37:22,440 Speaker 1: on in the season for a quarterback to look up 570 00:37:22,480 --> 00:37:25,279 Speaker 1: and identify that mic linebacker because if they're looking for 571 00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:27,879 Speaker 1: fifty four and now it's like where is he is? 572 00:37:27,880 --> 00:37:30,400 Speaker 1: Is that something that can actually work in your advantage 573 00:37:30,400 --> 00:37:33,360 Speaker 1: you think at least early on in the season or 574 00:37:33,440 --> 00:37:36,359 Speaker 1: that's just like no, you hope so right? I mean 575 00:37:36,400 --> 00:37:40,319 Speaker 1: it sounds good, but you know, we're professionals. I don't 576 00:37:40,360 --> 00:37:43,200 Speaker 1: think Tom Tom Brady's in your twenty two or something 577 00:37:43,280 --> 00:37:47,720 Speaker 1: like that. Number ain't off. It's not gonna phase him. 578 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:50,520 Speaker 1: You have to TV twelve go up to the line 579 00:37:49,920 --> 00:37:52,239 Speaker 1: of scrim and look up and say, oh, I don't 580 00:37:52,320 --> 00:37:57,120 Speaker 1: think that's number nine, that's fifty four. Yeah, I'm with 581 00:37:57,160 --> 00:37:59,839 Speaker 1: you there. That's that's awesome. What else has been going 582 00:37:59,880 --> 00:38:02,399 Speaker 1: on in the off season off the field as well? 583 00:38:02,440 --> 00:38:04,279 Speaker 1: For you? I mean, I know you're very plugged in 584 00:38:04,320 --> 00:38:08,880 Speaker 1: and the community as anything on the horizon there man, honestly, 585 00:38:09,160 --> 00:38:11,879 Speaker 1: just being able to have the opportunity to get back 586 00:38:11,920 --> 00:38:14,840 Speaker 1: out in the community this year, that's something that I'm 587 00:38:14,840 --> 00:38:19,360 Speaker 1: looking forward to priding my cell phone, especially um, you 588 00:38:19,400 --> 00:38:22,640 Speaker 1: know in Dalla in the DFW Metroplex. Um, you know, 589 00:38:22,719 --> 00:38:25,600 Speaker 1: getting getting a chance to play with kids, getting a 590 00:38:25,680 --> 00:38:27,960 Speaker 1: chance to you know, play with young athletes, getting a 591 00:38:28,080 --> 00:38:31,880 Speaker 1: chance to UM you know, go to some tutoring. You know. 592 00:38:31,920 --> 00:38:35,080 Speaker 1: I'm I'm trying to tap all the way into UM, 593 00:38:35,120 --> 00:38:38,960 Speaker 1: to the community and giving back UM inner city included. 594 00:38:39,080 --> 00:38:42,000 Speaker 1: So it's it's really, it's really an honor. You are 595 00:38:42,080 --> 00:38:45,520 Speaker 1: incredibly involved in the community, not even just with the 596 00:38:45,560 --> 00:38:49,520 Speaker 1: Cowboys and they're you know, they're UM community events that 597 00:38:49,560 --> 00:38:52,239 Speaker 1: they have, but also in your own time. Why is 598 00:38:52,280 --> 00:38:54,440 Speaker 1: it so important for you to get out there throughout 599 00:38:54,480 --> 00:38:57,920 Speaker 1: the community and meet young kids or adults and really 600 00:38:58,200 --> 00:39:00,239 Speaker 1: branch out and meet as many people as you can 601 00:39:00,239 --> 00:39:03,360 Speaker 1: and help them in ways that you can. UM. I 602 00:39:03,440 --> 00:39:07,560 Speaker 1: have a passion for putting smiles on people's faces. UM yeah, 603 00:39:07,600 --> 00:39:11,680 Speaker 1: I don't really like confrontation. But I'm just a guy that, like, 604 00:39:12,120 --> 00:39:15,480 Speaker 1: I love being around people. I learned so much from 605 00:39:15,520 --> 00:39:19,160 Speaker 1: from different people. That's why when COVID hit, it was like, dang, 606 00:39:19,239 --> 00:39:21,680 Speaker 1: I gotta I gotta really work on myself. I kind 607 00:39:21,680 --> 00:39:23,719 Speaker 1: of gott to spend a little more time by myself, 608 00:39:25,560 --> 00:39:32,640 Speaker 1: you know, which was challenging at times but beneficial just 609 00:39:32,800 --> 00:39:36,600 Speaker 1: learning different things about, you know, myself. But now I'm 610 00:39:36,640 --> 00:39:41,319 Speaker 1: always about the community. I'm always about giving back. I've 611 00:39:41,360 --> 00:39:44,360 Speaker 1: always been a selfless guy, and I just gotta continue 612 00:39:44,400 --> 00:39:47,839 Speaker 1: to be myself, that's all. Now. You mentioned that kind 613 00:39:47,840 --> 00:39:51,279 Speaker 1: of that self reflection that you had throughout COVID and 614 00:39:51,320 --> 00:39:53,520 Speaker 1: how it was challenging at times. I think a lot 615 00:39:53,560 --> 00:39:55,919 Speaker 1: of people throughout the pandemic have had to go through 616 00:39:55,920 --> 00:39:58,120 Speaker 1: that themselves. But what was one thing that you learned 617 00:39:58,200 --> 00:40:05,279 Speaker 1: coming out of that on the other side. Um, I 618 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:07,680 Speaker 1: think one of the things I learned is just like 619 00:40:08,040 --> 00:40:14,920 Speaker 1: it's okay to be home. Like it's okay to be home, 620 00:40:15,160 --> 00:40:19,239 Speaker 1: and we there's thirty thousand different other things that we 621 00:40:19,280 --> 00:40:22,960 Speaker 1: could be doing in our lives too, you know, kind 622 00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:28,359 Speaker 1: of really help help others, help ourselves, but you kind 623 00:40:28,360 --> 00:40:31,160 Speaker 1: of gotta have that safe haven. And you know, I 624 00:40:31,239 --> 00:40:35,560 Speaker 1: recognize the value of my home over the pandemic. Um, 625 00:40:36,120 --> 00:40:38,319 Speaker 1: My mom just moved out here in March, so that was, 626 00:40:38,400 --> 00:40:43,360 Speaker 1: like Dallas something that was huge. I'm Mama's boy, so, um, 627 00:40:43,400 --> 00:40:46,200 Speaker 1: you know, having her state twenty minutes away from you know, 628 00:40:46,280 --> 00:40:50,360 Speaker 1: myself is that's definitely a blessing. That barbecue yesterday, I 629 00:40:50,400 --> 00:40:52,840 Speaker 1: went over there after work and I'm like, Okay, I 630 00:40:52,880 --> 00:40:56,040 Speaker 1: can get you and can get used to this what 631 00:40:56,160 --> 00:41:02,719 Speaker 1: you have barbecue? Anything specific? You do the grilling with 632 00:41:02,760 --> 00:41:05,759 Speaker 1: my step dad, he grew I was at I was 633 00:41:05,880 --> 00:41:10,239 Speaker 1: here working on but he had he barbecue. My mom 634 00:41:10,239 --> 00:41:17,600 Speaker 1: made the size. But we have like turkeylegs, beef ribs. Um. 635 00:41:17,760 --> 00:41:23,399 Speaker 1: My mom made some dressings, some collar greens, some boiled eggs. Oh, 636 00:41:23,480 --> 00:41:27,239 Speaker 1: it was like to cook right, you're a good cut Yeah, 637 00:41:27,239 --> 00:41:33,759 Speaker 1: I love. What's your signature dish man? Probably probably my 638 00:41:33,840 --> 00:41:40,200 Speaker 1: mom's famous three layer dip. Yeah, that's all I can. 639 00:41:41,080 --> 00:41:44,520 Speaker 1: I'm trying to I'm trying to expand my horizons. You 640 00:41:44,640 --> 00:41:49,920 Speaker 1: come over one day, I'll make it. Deal. So, so 641 00:41:49,960 --> 00:41:52,319 Speaker 1: the three layer dip, So is that a cide or 642 00:41:52,320 --> 00:41:55,040 Speaker 1: is that like an entree dip? Entree? It's like the 643 00:41:56,600 --> 00:41:58,799 Speaker 1: dis Yeah. But I can cook though, I can, I 644 00:41:58,840 --> 00:42:02,040 Speaker 1: can grill. You know. I recently learned how to make 645 00:42:02,040 --> 00:42:05,719 Speaker 1: crawfish a year ago. Nice. That's a Southern tradition. Yeah, 646 00:42:05,760 --> 00:42:11,399 Speaker 1: Southern traditional, please asked. I love my Cajun food for sure. Yeah. Now, 647 00:42:11,600 --> 00:42:14,239 Speaker 1: you did like a cooking segment at one point right 648 00:42:14,640 --> 00:42:18,720 Speaker 1: throughout the off season. Was that a thing I did? Actually? 649 00:42:18,800 --> 00:42:22,000 Speaker 1: It was shit I did. I did? I how to 650 00:42:22,040 --> 00:42:24,920 Speaker 1: make um. I learned how to make like the Cowboys 651 00:42:25,080 --> 00:42:29,520 Speaker 1: Philly Chiefs like the Cowboys chet it was delicious. Let's say, 652 00:42:29,560 --> 00:42:32,000 Speaker 1: did it go? Was delicious? It went well, it went well. 653 00:42:32,040 --> 00:42:35,920 Speaker 1: I needed a little more cayenne be all right, So 654 00:42:35,960 --> 00:42:37,560 Speaker 1: if you had to do it again, you would get 655 00:42:37,600 --> 00:42:40,040 Speaker 1: it right. I mean you're learning a little I'm like 656 00:42:40,120 --> 00:42:44,200 Speaker 1: a little spice in my okay. So that's why you 657 00:42:44,200 --> 00:42:46,640 Speaker 1: like the Cajun foods. Got the spices in there. Yeah, 658 00:42:46,719 --> 00:42:48,880 Speaker 1: I like it. I like it. Well, We've got plenty 659 00:42:48,880 --> 00:42:50,760 Speaker 1: more to come here with Jalen Smith on the Midller 660 00:42:50,840 --> 00:42:53,040 Speaker 1: Like Cowboys Hour. When we come back, we'll open up 661 00:42:53,080 --> 00:42:56,239 Speaker 1: the floor to our live audience here from the Ford 662 00:42:56,320 --> 00:42:59,040 Speaker 1: Center at the Star. We'll take some fan questions and 663 00:42:59,120 --> 00:43:01,400 Speaker 1: get some involved in here when we come back. On 664 00:43:01,440 --> 00:43:03,120 Speaker 1: the other side of the break, you're listening to the 665 00:43:03,160 --> 00:46:08,439 Speaker 1: Miller Like Cowboys Hour. To the Miller Like Cowboys Hour, 666 00:46:08,719 --> 00:46:14,839 Speaker 1: supported by Albertsons and Omni Hotels and Resorts, live from 667 00:46:14,880 --> 00:46:18,520 Speaker 1: the Star in Frisco. Just inside the front doors at 668 00:46:18,520 --> 00:46:21,080 Speaker 1: the Ford Center at the Star. It is the Miller 669 00:46:21,120 --> 00:46:24,839 Speaker 1: Like Cowboys Hour with Danny Serek, Jalen Smith, I'm Kyle 670 00:46:24,920 --> 00:46:26,960 Speaker 1: Yeoman's and we have got plenty more to talk about. 671 00:46:26,960 --> 00:46:29,200 Speaker 1: We're gonna take some fan questions coming up here in 672 00:46:29,280 --> 00:46:30,719 Speaker 1: just a couple of minutes, so we'll go ahead and 673 00:46:30,719 --> 00:46:32,480 Speaker 1: get people up to the mic and get ready to 674 00:46:32,520 --> 00:46:36,040 Speaker 1: ask the questions for Cowboys linebacker Jalen Smith. But first 675 00:46:36,040 --> 00:46:37,920 Speaker 1: we wanted to talk a little bit about another thing 676 00:46:38,000 --> 00:46:41,520 Speaker 1: that happened this offseason into the preseason, and that was 677 00:46:41,680 --> 00:46:46,800 Speaker 1: HBO's Hard Knocks. The final episode debuts tomorrow on HBO 678 00:46:46,920 --> 00:46:49,640 Speaker 1: and HBO Max, and of course the NFL film is 679 00:46:49,680 --> 00:46:51,520 Speaker 1: a big part of that and putting that together. What 680 00:46:51,680 --> 00:46:54,640 Speaker 1: has this been like for you being a part of 681 00:46:54,880 --> 00:46:57,480 Speaker 1: that series? For this would be your second time, correct 682 00:46:57,719 --> 00:46:59,960 Speaker 1: or No, it's it is the first time, it first, 683 00:47:00,000 --> 00:47:02,640 Speaker 1: but it's it been like, um, my brother and I 684 00:47:02,760 --> 00:47:09,359 Speaker 1: we watched Hard Knocks growing up, like faithfully religiously. So 685 00:47:10,320 --> 00:47:13,319 Speaker 1: you know, when we found out that, um, you know, 686 00:47:13,840 --> 00:47:16,239 Speaker 1: Cowboys we were gonna be on you know, we were 687 00:47:16,239 --> 00:47:20,560 Speaker 1: gonna basically be the Hard Knocks, um, you know team 688 00:47:20,640 --> 00:47:23,839 Speaker 1: for this season, it was like wow, like coming off 689 00:47:23,880 --> 00:47:29,479 Speaker 1: of a pandemic, um, you know, great opportunity, We're going 690 00:47:29,520 --> 00:47:32,320 Speaker 1: back to auction art, which we love being out there. Um, 691 00:47:32,360 --> 00:47:35,160 Speaker 1: you know for the start of training camp. There's just 692 00:47:35,680 --> 00:47:38,360 Speaker 1: a lot of emotions, but just grace, grace, it was. 693 00:47:38,440 --> 00:47:40,879 Speaker 1: It's been a great job. I feel like they've done 694 00:47:40,880 --> 00:47:45,200 Speaker 1: a great job with all the episodes. Um, I can't 695 00:47:45,200 --> 00:47:47,279 Speaker 1: wait to watch the one tomorrow. So you've watched up 696 00:47:47,360 --> 00:47:50,040 Speaker 1: until this point, right, Yes, what has been the most 697 00:47:50,080 --> 00:47:55,640 Speaker 1: surprising thing you've learned about a teammate or coach you 698 00:47:55,719 --> 00:47:58,520 Speaker 1: put me on the spot or maybe like funniest thing 699 00:47:58,600 --> 00:48:03,120 Speaker 1: that you saw. There was a lot of funny. There's 700 00:48:03,120 --> 00:48:06,360 Speaker 1: a lot of funny things. Honestly, I thought it was 701 00:48:06,480 --> 00:48:11,160 Speaker 1: cool seeing like Amari Cooper in CD kind of talking 702 00:48:11,200 --> 00:48:15,880 Speaker 1: about different route running and things like that. It's very educational, 703 00:48:15,920 --> 00:48:18,919 Speaker 1: but just shows it kind of put on display like 704 00:48:20,320 --> 00:48:24,560 Speaker 1: the work that we put in and even you know, 705 00:48:24,600 --> 00:48:28,440 Speaker 1: if you're an elite talent, you can always learn, and 706 00:48:28,560 --> 00:48:30,839 Speaker 1: like I said, that's something I've always prided myself one 707 00:48:30,960 --> 00:48:34,600 Speaker 1: is just continue on to learn. So I think Hard 708 00:48:34,680 --> 00:48:37,879 Speaker 1: Knocks has done a great job at displaying that for sure. 709 00:48:37,920 --> 00:48:40,200 Speaker 1: But there's been a lot of funny moments as well 710 00:48:40,320 --> 00:48:43,439 Speaker 1: that you definitely get a kick out of. For sure. 711 00:48:43,800 --> 00:48:46,080 Speaker 1: Now I feel like one of the things that have 712 00:48:46,120 --> 00:48:50,640 Speaker 1: been highlighted throughout Hard Knocks has been the side competitiveness 713 00:48:50,640 --> 00:48:53,120 Speaker 1: throughout the locker room. I mean, whether it's chess or 714 00:48:53,160 --> 00:48:55,719 Speaker 1: it's playing cards or something of the sort. Is there 715 00:48:55,760 --> 00:48:57,799 Speaker 1: something in the locker room that maybe we don't know 716 00:48:57,880 --> 00:49:00,000 Speaker 1: about that you're the best at in terms of maybe 717 00:49:00,080 --> 00:49:05,800 Speaker 1: a side competition like that. Uh, because you're a competitive 718 00:49:05,840 --> 00:49:12,279 Speaker 1: guy much like everybody else. Is there something you're I know? Um, 719 00:49:12,400 --> 00:49:15,240 Speaker 1: I don't know if there's like spoiler alert or anything, 720 00:49:15,320 --> 00:49:17,200 Speaker 1: hoping it'd probably be on I don't know if it's 721 00:49:17,239 --> 00:49:21,080 Speaker 1: gonna be on the episode tomorrow. But um, we play 722 00:49:21,200 --> 00:49:25,280 Speaker 1: like pretty We play like like it's like a tennis 723 00:49:25,400 --> 00:49:28,560 Speaker 1: tennis ball in the locker room, in the middle of 724 00:49:28,640 --> 00:49:36,560 Speaker 1: our locker room, Like, um, what's it called hamper basket basketball? 725 00:49:36,680 --> 00:49:39,640 Speaker 1: Like hamper basketball? Yeah, And they've got shots of this, 726 00:49:39,880 --> 00:49:42,920 Speaker 1: like the Hard Knock creep. I hope they if they 727 00:49:43,000 --> 00:49:45,040 Speaker 1: did it. If they didn't they did it, that's one 728 00:49:45,080 --> 00:49:49,880 Speaker 1: thing they missed. It gets it gets intense, Is it heated? 729 00:49:50,080 --> 00:49:53,040 Speaker 1: It gets intense? Who gets the most heated while playing 730 00:49:53,080 --> 00:49:56,600 Speaker 1: hamper tennis basketball in the locker room? We need to 731 00:49:56,600 --> 00:49:58,520 Speaker 1: come up with a better name. By the way, I 732 00:49:58,560 --> 00:50:01,960 Speaker 1: would say, since I've been here. Since I've been here, 733 00:50:03,480 --> 00:50:07,960 Speaker 1: the most competitive team that I've seen was Dak and 734 00:50:08,040 --> 00:50:11,440 Speaker 1: Cold Easley. Okay, but he's the best. If they're the 735 00:50:11,440 --> 00:50:15,080 Speaker 1: most they were the best focus shooting with his left 736 00:50:15,120 --> 00:50:17,640 Speaker 1: hand and make it like he was. It was. It 737 00:50:17,680 --> 00:50:21,400 Speaker 1: was legit. But um, I mean the competition is always real. 738 00:50:21,440 --> 00:50:23,399 Speaker 1: It's a lot of one on one competition this year. 739 00:50:23,760 --> 00:50:26,719 Speaker 1: Um going on whenever I'm walking through the locker room 740 00:50:26,760 --> 00:50:30,799 Speaker 1: seeing seeing guys play, Um, Mica has lost a lot. 741 00:50:32,680 --> 00:50:36,520 Speaker 1: Like I had to sprinkle that in there. You know, 742 00:50:36,560 --> 00:50:40,040 Speaker 1: he's not from Indiana. That's what that's what we do 743 00:50:40,160 --> 00:50:44,200 Speaker 1: in Indiana. We hoo. Yeah, you guys ball out in Indiana, PA. 744 00:50:44,320 --> 00:50:48,400 Speaker 1: Not so much Pennsylvania. Yeah that's awesome. All right, So 745 00:50:48,520 --> 00:50:50,920 Speaker 1: let's go ahead and take some fan questions from our 746 00:50:51,000 --> 00:50:53,440 Speaker 1: live audience. Go ahead and step up to the mincut. 747 00:50:53,480 --> 00:50:55,680 Speaker 1: Say your first name before asking the question. Yeah, my 748 00:50:55,760 --> 00:51:00,040 Speaker 1: name is spiel Uh. This is more like I find it. 749 00:51:00,160 --> 00:51:03,040 Speaker 1: Back to the numbers, I find it also ironic. You 750 00:51:03,080 --> 00:51:05,480 Speaker 1: know you've been here for six years now, you got 751 00:51:05,480 --> 00:51:08,400 Speaker 1: your number nine, which also goes nine times six is 752 00:51:08,440 --> 00:51:11,959 Speaker 1: fifty four? Come on, man, I know right, say, now 753 00:51:12,000 --> 00:51:14,279 Speaker 1: do you also find all this ironic or do you 754 00:51:14,280 --> 00:51:17,040 Speaker 1: believe it was fake? Did you got number nine back? No? 755 00:51:17,239 --> 00:51:19,640 Speaker 1: I believe it was fake. I believe it was fake. 756 00:51:19,880 --> 00:51:23,319 Speaker 1: I didn't think it would be possible because of just 757 00:51:23,400 --> 00:51:25,600 Speaker 1: the rule of change, rule have been set in stone 758 00:51:25,640 --> 00:51:30,160 Speaker 1: for probably a hundred years. But no, I believe in 759 00:51:30,360 --> 00:51:35,080 Speaker 1: I believe in energy, manifestation and just kind of realizing 760 00:51:35,120 --> 00:51:38,960 Speaker 1: all your dreams, even things you can't see. Yes, sir, Yeah, No, 761 00:51:39,080 --> 00:51:41,560 Speaker 1: it's good. We're gonna see you in a couple of 762 00:51:41,560 --> 00:51:47,480 Speaker 1: weeks with man, that's awesome. And I was kind of 763 00:51:47,520 --> 00:51:49,480 Speaker 1: kind of going back to that conversation that we had 764 00:51:49,520 --> 00:51:52,480 Speaker 1: about the number nine and how unlikely it was for 765 00:51:52,520 --> 00:51:54,200 Speaker 1: you to end up with that number and now you 766 00:51:54,239 --> 00:51:56,440 Speaker 1: have a chance to show it out. Does it give 767 00:51:56,480 --> 00:51:58,480 Speaker 1: you a little extra chip on your shoulder this year 768 00:51:58,560 --> 00:52:00,600 Speaker 1: to maybe show out with that number on your chest? 769 00:52:01,560 --> 00:52:04,879 Speaker 1: And just peace and just peace as well? For sure. 770 00:52:05,280 --> 00:52:07,400 Speaker 1: Like I said, I've been wearing it my literally my 771 00:52:07,600 --> 00:52:11,520 Speaker 1: entire life, so just the wholeness behind it. I'm ready 772 00:52:11,520 --> 00:52:13,919 Speaker 1: to I'm ready to ball. I'm ready for our team 773 00:52:13,960 --> 00:52:17,680 Speaker 1: to ball, like we've been putting in so much work, um, 774 00:52:19,400 --> 00:52:24,080 Speaker 1: but what matters is winning and that's our focus. That's 775 00:52:24,080 --> 00:52:25,880 Speaker 1: our focus. I'll put in the call, let's try and 776 00:52:25,880 --> 00:52:27,640 Speaker 1: move this game up to tomorrow so we can just 777 00:52:27,680 --> 00:52:30,320 Speaker 1: get it done already. All right, what's our next fan question? 778 00:52:30,719 --> 00:52:33,719 Speaker 1: My name is Cory. I heard you talk about that 779 00:52:33,800 --> 00:52:37,160 Speaker 1: you like the member your game after certain linebackers. So 780 00:52:37,280 --> 00:52:39,800 Speaker 1: my question would be, like, coming in the league or 781 00:52:39,840 --> 00:52:42,960 Speaker 1: just now, any past or present linebackers that you kind 782 00:52:42,960 --> 00:52:44,600 Speaker 1: of look at your game, you know, look up to 783 00:52:44,719 --> 00:52:47,759 Speaker 1: our just kind of see what they're do on the 784 00:52:47,760 --> 00:52:50,040 Speaker 1: film that you're trying to take, you know, bits and 785 00:52:50,080 --> 00:52:53,399 Speaker 1: pieces up to add to your game. Yeah. Absolutely. Um. 786 00:52:54,360 --> 00:52:57,360 Speaker 1: You know, growing up you always watched Ray Lewis and 787 00:52:57,440 --> 00:53:03,319 Speaker 1: his leadership was just incredible. Um. Patrick Willis, Um did 788 00:53:03,320 --> 00:53:08,960 Speaker 1: a great job at displaying all of his abilities. UM. 789 00:53:09,160 --> 00:53:12,359 Speaker 1: Luke Keakley was sideline and sideline It's something I loved 790 00:53:12,400 --> 00:53:17,280 Speaker 1: about him. Um. You know Bobby Wagner doesn't miss a tackle. Um, 791 00:53:17,320 --> 00:53:20,920 Speaker 1: that's something that I mimic my game after. And you 792 00:53:20,920 --> 00:53:24,520 Speaker 1: know it's aspired to be and do. Um, it's just 793 00:53:24,600 --> 00:53:27,480 Speaker 1: about London. Like London Fletcher who played for the Red 794 00:53:27,600 --> 00:53:33,200 Speaker 1: for for the Washington Um, he was just consistent, longevity, 795 00:53:33,239 --> 00:53:39,000 Speaker 1: like I try to take my game from all different um, 796 00:53:39,040 --> 00:53:42,200 Speaker 1: you know, players who's played the game before and who 797 00:53:42,200 --> 00:53:44,799 Speaker 1: are currently playing, UM, and kind of make it into 798 00:53:44,840 --> 00:53:48,560 Speaker 1: my own. UM. For me, it's just about continuing to 799 00:53:48,560 --> 00:53:51,680 Speaker 1: be successful, continue to make plays that can help this 800 00:53:51,760 --> 00:53:54,680 Speaker 1: team win. UM. And that's something that I've done since 801 00:53:54,719 --> 00:53:58,000 Speaker 1: I've been here. Just looking forward for the opportunity to 802 00:53:58,040 --> 00:54:00,640 Speaker 1: do it in twenty twenty one. UM. UM, you know, 803 00:54:00,760 --> 00:54:04,080 Speaker 1: we got our fans back, we got a great group, UM, 804 00:54:04,120 --> 00:54:07,880 Speaker 1: and we're motivated. We want to win now. Kind Of 805 00:54:07,960 --> 00:54:10,280 Speaker 1: on the back end of that, you said you modeled 806 00:54:10,280 --> 00:54:12,160 Speaker 1: it after those guys, who do you feel like you 807 00:54:12,360 --> 00:54:15,480 Speaker 1: most mimic in terms of the guys now? As to 808 00:54:15,520 --> 00:54:24,920 Speaker 1: where you are as a linebacker, UM, I don't know. 809 00:54:24,960 --> 00:54:26,719 Speaker 1: There's a lot of good linement. It's a lot of 810 00:54:26,719 --> 00:54:29,359 Speaker 1: good linebackers out out there in the league right now, 811 00:54:29,480 --> 00:54:31,960 Speaker 1: for sure. There's a lot of even you know we're 812 00:54:31,960 --> 00:54:35,320 Speaker 1: playing Tampa. You know you got Lavonte David and Devin White, 813 00:54:35,320 --> 00:54:40,480 Speaker 1: the elite linebackers. UM. You know here with the Cowboys 814 00:54:40,520 --> 00:54:44,680 Speaker 1: were loaded. UM. So I just love it. I love 815 00:54:44,719 --> 00:54:49,279 Speaker 1: seeing the position plan played the right way. UM. And 816 00:54:49,440 --> 00:54:52,480 Speaker 1: any chance that I can get better I'm I'm gonna 817 00:54:52,480 --> 00:54:56,879 Speaker 1: work for so uh, it's incredible opportunity. We got coming 818 00:54:56,960 --> 00:55:00,440 Speaker 1: up Thursday to you know, put on display how we've 819 00:55:00,480 --> 00:55:03,000 Speaker 1: been working. It almost feels like getting ready for like 820 00:55:03,040 --> 00:55:05,080 Speaker 1: the first day of schools. You're so anxious you just 821 00:55:05,120 --> 00:55:06,719 Speaker 1: want it to come because then by that point you 822 00:55:06,719 --> 00:55:08,680 Speaker 1: can just get into your normal routine and you know, 823 00:55:08,719 --> 00:55:10,880 Speaker 1: any nerves or anything will come out. Like do you 824 00:55:10,880 --> 00:55:13,879 Speaker 1: still get nervous before a game or is it just 825 00:55:14,080 --> 00:55:17,120 Speaker 1: excitement at this point? No, I mean nerv is that 826 00:55:17,280 --> 00:55:21,839 Speaker 1: is nerve. Being nervous isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's 827 00:55:21,920 --> 00:55:24,520 Speaker 1: kind of like the it's I would call it jitters, 828 00:55:24,600 --> 00:55:30,359 Speaker 1: you know, because it's like you're anxious to play this game. Um, 829 00:55:31,040 --> 00:55:34,600 Speaker 1: you know the terrain, everything that comes with it. It's 830 00:55:34,680 --> 00:55:37,000 Speaker 1: you know, it's naturally a build up, but you got 831 00:55:37,000 --> 00:55:40,160 Speaker 1: to go through your your routine and your process to 832 00:55:40,239 --> 00:55:44,480 Speaker 1: kind of dial in and lock in. A lot of 833 00:55:44,560 --> 00:55:48,080 Speaker 1: us refer to it as like flipping the switch, and 834 00:55:48,120 --> 00:55:50,640 Speaker 1: that's just something you gotta do. Um, if you want 835 00:55:50,640 --> 00:55:54,080 Speaker 1: to go out there and and and be successful, well, 836 00:55:54,080 --> 00:55:56,000 Speaker 1: you've got a couple of days until you've got to 837 00:55:56,040 --> 00:55:59,000 Speaker 1: flip that switch. But man, it really is going to 838 00:55:59,080 --> 00:56:01,240 Speaker 1: be a lot of fun to watch. Watch really quickly. 839 00:56:01,320 --> 00:56:04,120 Speaker 1: What is one thing we need to watch you for 840 00:56:04,400 --> 00:56:11,359 Speaker 1: on Thursday night or something we should be excited about. Um. 841 00:56:14,080 --> 00:56:19,600 Speaker 1: I think that you guys should be just excited to 842 00:56:19,760 --> 00:56:24,400 Speaker 1: see a team go out there and and and really 843 00:56:24,440 --> 00:56:27,920 Speaker 1: want it. A team to go out there together. Um. 844 00:56:29,040 --> 00:56:33,320 Speaker 1: And you know, playing at a high level, We're gonna 845 00:56:33,320 --> 00:56:36,040 Speaker 1: be together through it all. There's there's always ebbs and 846 00:56:36,040 --> 00:56:39,360 Speaker 1: flows during the game. Was always ups and downs, and 847 00:56:39,400 --> 00:56:42,960 Speaker 1: it's about how you overcome that. Yeah. Um, And like 848 00:56:43,040 --> 00:56:45,840 Speaker 1: I said, we're gonna be together and we're gonna go 849 00:56:45,880 --> 00:56:48,600 Speaker 1: out here and ball. It's a new defense, a new season, 850 00:56:48,640 --> 00:56:51,840 Speaker 1: a new number for Jalen Smith. Lots to be excited about. 851 00:56:51,880 --> 00:56:54,160 Speaker 1: Special Thanks for joining us today. It's been a lot 852 00:56:54,200 --> 00:56:56,000 Speaker 1: of fun getting to talk to you. For Danny Sirek, 853 00:56:56,040 --> 00:56:58,600 Speaker 1: I'm Kyle Yeoman's, for tech Nicol's pain, and our entire 854 00:56:58,640 --> 00:57:00,560 Speaker 1: audience here at the Ford Center that gonna do it. 855 00:57:02,280 --> 00:57:05,200 Speaker 1: This has been a production of Dallas Cowboys dot Com 856 00:57:05,200 --> 00:57:07,280 Speaker 1: and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.