Cowboys legend tells amazing story about Tyron Smith's rookie season

DeMarcus Ware shared an incredible moment from Tyron Smith's rookie training camp with the Dallas Cowboys that immediately showed off his destination for greatness.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware talks with tackle Tyron Smith at training camp. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys honored future Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Tyron Smith on Wednesday with a special retirement press conference after he signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team.

Some of the Cowboys' all-time greats were in attendance for the press conference, along with several of the team's current stars.

Among them was Hall of Famer and Cowboys Ring of Honor inductee DeMarcus Ware, who the media caught up with to reminisce about the early years of Smith's career.

WATCH: Tyron Smith's emotional Cowboys retirement press conference

Joseph Hoyt of All City DLLS asked Ware what it was like to take a pass-rushing punch from Smith when he opened up about a hilarious interaction with the offensive tackle during his rookie training camp.

I asked HOFer DeMarcus Ware for his description of a Tyron Smith punch during pass blocking. He told this story from a walkthrough during Smith’s rookie training camp.

“If you ever punch me again, it’s going down.” https://t.co/ZSnKIE0uC0 pic.twitter.com/BrpSUYf7C1

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) April 16, 2025

It had to have been then that Ware knew Smith was destined for greatness.

MORE: Tyron Smith's son wears adorable custom Cowboys jersey for retirement ceremony

Ware finished his NFL career as a two-time NFL sacks leader, a seven-time All-Pro, and a Super Bowl champion.

Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith and linebacker DeMarcus Ware at training camp. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While Smith never got the illustrious Super Bowl ring that Ware earned after finishing his career with the Denver Broncos, he is still an all-time great.

Smith finished his professional career as a five-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. It's just a shame the Cowboys were never able to get over the hump with Smith anchoring the offensive line.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys land perfect running mate for CeeDee Lamb in new NFL mock draft

Watch Tyron Smith's emotional Cowboys retirement press conference

Cowboys named ideal NFL Draft fit for RB with ‘vastly superior’ talent

Jerry Jones makes major announcement for Cowboys legends Tyron Smith, Zack Martin

Meet Sophy Laufer: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc