3 former Cowboys players Dallas will face during 2025 NFL season

The Dallas Cowboys will take the field against a handful of former players during the 2025 NFL season, so let's take a look at the faces fans will recognize.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle with the ball past Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In less than one week, the NFL will release the schedule for the 2025 season, and the Dallas Cowboys will learn when they will take the field each and every week.

Dallas has one of the toughest schedules in the league this season, with its matchups against the NFC East, AFC West, NFC North, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers.

When the Cowboys line up during the season, they will see some familiar faces across the line of scrimmage.

MORE: Cowboys' 2025 strength of schedule ranks as one of NFL's toughest

But who are the former Cowboys players that the team will be facing? There is talent on both sides of the ball, including a record-setting offensive star.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

One of the players the team will face is former starting running back Rico Dowdle, who signed with the Carolina Panthers during free agency.

MORE: Cowboys' newest running back has impressive college highlight reel

During the 2024 season, Dowdle became the first undrafted player in franchise history to rush for more than 1,000 yards.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston celebrates with Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Dallas will also face off against former defensive end Chauncey Golston, who signed with the division rival New York Giants. Last season, Golston registered a career-high 5.5 sacks and 97 tackles.

Now, he belongs to the enemy.

MORE: Cowboys nearly made much more underwhelming deal before George Pickens trade

Finally, the Cowboys could take on former backup quarterback Trey Lance, who started in the team's season finale. Lance will be backing up Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert, but you never know how a season could play out.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance throws a pass against the Washington Commanders. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

There are a few months until the start of the season, so there could be more former Cowboys who find their way onto the rosters of 2025 opponents, including former star wide receiver Michael Gallup, who recently came out of retirement to join the Washington Commanders.

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