Emerging Star Tyler Guyton Setting High Standards for Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line has long been renowned for its strength and discipline, and it looks like the tradition will continue with the introduction of Tyler Guyton. Selected as the 29th overall pick in the first round, Guyton's seamless transition into the NFL has captivated both fans and teammates alike.
Standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing 330 pounds, Guyton is a rookie left tackle with more than just physical prowess. His intelligence and confidence set him apart, proving that he is more than ready to secure his spot on the Cowboys' roster. Quarterback Dak Prescott recalled an incident during a team jeopardy night: "The dude jumped up there and spelled it as fast without any hesitation as I have ever seen. Still mind blown to be honest with you." Such quick thinking extends beyond the conference room and onto the field.
Guyton, whose football journey began at the University of Oklahoma, has shown exceptional skill during training camp, particularly against formidable opponents. He started 13 out of 14 collegiate games at right tackle before shifting to left tackle during his training with the Cowboys. Head coach Mike McCarthy was notably impressed, stating, "I thought he had some nice reps against Micah." These words of praise came shortly after Guyton managed to stonewall Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s rising stars, during a padded practice. Parsons himself recognized the mutual benefit: “Of course it did. We're both getting each other better... Going up against him, even losing, helps me out.”
Apart from his on-field dynamics, Guyton’s camaraderie with his teammates has made a significant impact. Tyler Smith, an established left guard, has been instrumental in aiding Guyton's rapid development. "He's helped me out a lot. He's like a big brother to me," Guyton admitted. Smith, equally impressed by Guyton, remarked, "It's not very often that you find a human being who measures how he does, 6-7, 330 and has light feet and can just move and just bully dudes." Smith believes Guyton’s potential is limitless, adding, "The sky truly is the limit for him and his development."
However, the path has not always been smooth for Guyton. An illness recently sidelined him for three practices in a row, but his determination to return stronger was evident. "I'm feeling better, for sure. I'm just under the weather, working my way back now," Guyton mentioned after participating in limited capacity in his first practice back.
On the lighter side of things, Guyton’s personality has shone through during team activities. His karaoke rendition of "Mary Jane" by Rick James during a rookie initiation session was met with laughter and camaraderie, encapsulating his ability to blend into the team effortlessly: "It's a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work," Guyton said.
The Cowboys are looking forward to their joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, where Guyton's skills will be put to the test once more. Dak Prescott emphasized the importance of Guyton finding his own identity on the team, despite following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Tyron Smith. "He has to be Tyler Guyton. Doesn't really matter who played here before him... At the end of the day, you just need to be yourself and the best version of yourself," Prescott advised.
The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for Guyton, fully aware of the potential impact he could have on their offensive line. His swift adaptation to their system, combined with his intelligence, physical capabilities, and unwavering confidence, set him up as a star in the making. If his early performances are any indication, the franchise's faith in their first-round pick is indeed well-placed.