Cowboys players refused Brian Schottenheimer orders for best reason ever

Usually, when players don't listen to their coach, it's not a good sign. That wasn't the case on Thursday as the Dallas Cowboys decided not to listen to head coach Brian Schottenheimer for the right reasons.

Schottenheimer said their Thursday practice wasn't supposed to involve a full day of pads. So during the session, he told them to remove their pads and continue working.

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The players weren't in the mood to do this, however, as they told him no and finished the session with their pads. Schottenheimer said it proves they're a "physical football team.”

Brian Schottenheimer says the #Cowboys were scheduled to only wear pads for the first two periods of practice yesterday. When Schottenheimer called the team up to move to shells, his players told him no.

“We’re not backing off the fact that we’re going to be a physical football…
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 8, 2025

Dallas had a couple of injuries from the day as well, including one that resulted from a hard hit. Tight end Jake Ferguson was hit by linebacker Kenneth Murray and had to leave practice with a sore back. Thankfully, Ferguson's injury was just a contusion, and he's expected to be fine.

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As for the team's physical approach, this would be a welcome change. For years, the Cowboys have been able to win with finesse, but when it comes to smash-mouth football, they often fall short.

That said, they need to put this into action during games. Their recent joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams left a lot to be desired along both lines of scrimmage.

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer reacts while speaking to the media at a press conference at the Star. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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