Michael & 'The Mentals': Gallup On the Move for Cowboys at Camp

OXNARD, Calif. - For NFL athletes, injuries don't just damage them physically, but mentally as well.

Whether it's in the midst of an injury or after one, it can have a profound effect on their mental health. According to a 1996 study by the National Institute of Health, injured athletes often experience mental symptoms such as depression, anger and low self-esteem.

For a recent example, look no further than Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup. The former third-round pick suffered a torn ACL in 2021, and even though he returned early on in 2022, he didn't look like himself in large part due to his mental state.

As he works through Cowboys' 2023 training camp, though, Gallup now feels he is in a much better space mentally.

"Mentally, it's up there to 100 percent," Gallup said upon his camp arrival here in Oxnard. "Last year, the 'mentals' obviously weren't there. I knew my leg was good, I knew I was straight, but I still had to get over that hump. So definitely, this offseason, and coming out here to training camp and being able to go Day 1 — this'll be good."

It has been good so far for Gallup, from a mental and physical standpoint - so much so that Dallas is asking him to do more in terms of his responsibility. He's working in the slot a great deal, a guy on the move, with coach Mike McCarthy saying, “I like what I’ve seen from Michael so far.”

At this time last year, Gallup began training camp on the PUP list, causing him to miss the first three games of the season. Before he made his return, he commented on how his focus was now entirely on his mental health. It may have taken a while, but Gallup seems to have found his groove again after his devastating injury.

"You finally get to get back in pads and get a flow going," he said. "… You always want to come in here [with high expectations]. Nobody ever wants to come in here low."

Gallup's role in the offense will be different this season, as in addition to young star CeeDee Lamb, he's now sharing the field with veteran Brandin Cooks as well. However, the former 1,000-yard receiver still remains a crucial piece of Dallas' offensive game plan.

"I think Michael's very important," McCarthy said recently. "I think the biggest thing for Michael, and he wants it too, he just wants to have a healthy season. He looks good. This is really the first time, in my time here, that he's had a full offseason program."

With the Cowboys counting on Gallup to be a difference-maker in the offense, it's wonderful news that he feels he can be such a player again.

You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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