Recently, there has been much discussion and speculation about the culture within the Dallas Cowboys organization.
Despite this, team members, including Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and Dak Prescott, have consistently denied any problems with the culture when speaking publicly.
One common criticism of the Cowboys culture is the heavy focus on branding and the involvement of players in shows and podcasts.
While this has been a point of contention, those who criticize the culture may have deeper concerns about the organization’s brand activities.
A former Cowboys player, Dalton Schultz, appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and was asked about the differences between playing for the Cowboys and the Houston Texans, as well as the distractions that come with being a Cowboy.
Former Cowboys now Texans TE Dalton Schultz described the locker room environment at The Star on Wednesday on the @PatMcAfeeShow.
"There's people literally going on tours while you're lifting in the weight room… that's the brand that they've built. That's what Jerry Jones… pic.twitter.com/aiE68oFkLw
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 6, 2024
Schultz expressed that the environment in Houston felt more focused on football, whereas the Cowboys practice facility seemed to have more distractions.
He described interactions and activities at the Cowboys facility that surprised people who were not familiar with the organization.
In contrast, he praised the well-organized and professional environment in Houston.
Schultz mentioned people going on tours and watching players in the weight room at the Cowboys facility, which he found distracting.
He described it as a “zoo” and noted that this was part of the brand, and the way Jerry Jones runs things.
He acknowledged that there was nothing inherently wrong with it, but it could potentially distract from the team’s focus in the locker room.
Schultz also mentioned his initial uncertainty about leaving Dallas and joining another organization, but he was pleasantly surprised by the well-run nature of the Texans.
This experience aligns with what other former Cowboys players have expressed upon leaving the franchise.
It raises questions about whether the presence of spectators in the weight room during workouts is a distraction or not.
One player’s assessment suggests that it is.
This further fuels the ongoing criticism of the Cowboys’ culture.
The Cowboys’ culture has faced intense scrutiny this season, and Schultz’s comments are unlikely to alleviate concerns.
The success of the Texans and Schultz’s integral role in their achievements only exacerbates this comparison.
Currently, the Texans hold a stronger position than the Cowboys, adding to the perception that they have a better organizational culture.
In conclusion, the discussion surrounding the Cowboys’ culture persists, with Schultz’s comments providing insight into the organizational differences between the Cowboys and Texans.
The focus on branding and potential distractions at the Cowboys facility seem to be valid concerns for some players.
These further shape perceptions of the Cowboys’ culture and add to the criticism they have faced this season.
Fans reacted as follows:
Good lord. When Houston has a better culture than you do, that’s a horrible look for Dallas.
— P1 Macho Nadal (@MessicanDracula) March 6, 2024
I’ve been saying the culture is a problem, Jerry doesn’t see it that way, it’s all money to him.
— KINGK_FTP (@LWLSSofficial) March 6, 2024
Oh! That's why Houston won all those Super Bowls. 🤣
— Common Sense or Crazy (@MericaFYeah25) March 6, 2024
imagine having other people look at you
while you're at the gym working out.never heard of such a thing.
— rekt_teka$hi 熊 (@rekt_tekashi) March 6, 2024
Wow. So unprofessional and frankly, inhumane. Also, reading this whole thing messes up your eyes bro.
— The Paulie and Tony Fusco Show (@TheFuscoShow) March 6, 2024
Dalton is that significant other who was passed over by someone better and now wants to put that person down and act like they are in a better place….but secretly misses them deep down. 💔
— Ryan Wilson (@ryanswilson21) March 7, 2024
Well tbf its a business first? Entertainment is literally how they make multi million dollar contracts. They get paid to bash their heads for a stadium of people, this isn’t really any different.
— Zack (@BestHD123) March 7, 2024
If he doesn’t want to be looked at while working out, he should dress more appropriately.
— Black Beth Dutton 🥃 (@Oh_Katie_Babie) March 7, 2024
Jerry is more concerned with the value of the team than he is the outcomes on the field. He is a businessman, not a foot ball GM.
— Dave Curtis (@sharkfin71) March 6, 2024
I’m a Texans fan and was happy to hear that the Texans were well oiled machine because in 2022 with Easterby drama it was a dumpster fire. Culture changed when DeMeco walked in . Unfortunately for Dallas the culture is Jerry . Don’t think things are going your way change.
— Spurstexanstros (@Spurstexanstros) March 6, 2024
He said this, but would’ve stayed if the Cowboys offered more money than they did.🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
— Curt Hoes (@ShowTime_32) March 6, 2024
Exactly why the Cowboys fold under pressure….weak culture, no grit, no discipline. They have no chance until Jerry retires.
— Travis Smith (@tts42572) March 7, 2024
cowboy culture is the main issue with them and has been for a long time ever since jerry took over. there's no motivation to win and no repercussions when you lose cause "I'm a Dallas Cowboy" mentality. and a lot of them players have that mentality to them.
— Shadow7Angel (@UEGShadowAngel) March 7, 2024
Takes a certain type of person to know the difference. Cause in actuality it is a business and a sports team. Players should know that and understand that. Every owner would kill to have the Dallas notoriety but they don’t.
— Cam Callanta (@internalhustle5) March 6, 2024
Same people that call it a circus are the same people tapping on the window taking pictures
— Juice (@TheRealRoseboro) March 6, 2024
I went on one of those tours during the off season and none of what he's describing happened. Barely got close to the weight room, can't have your phone out to take pics so I'm just wondering how that affects on field performance?
— Luis Fernandez (@just_luis15) March 6, 2024
And none of this has anything to do with underachieving in the playoffs. We blame everybody except the players that fail in big moments. Three 12-5 seasons and 💩 the bed in the playoffs.
— B. Nelson (@b_mavz3) March 6, 2024
That’s insane that the org treats the players that way. I get the feeling the players feel like their on a reality show instead of a football team.
Schultz doesn’t say the culture is bad, but that they’ve always got eyes on them. The Jones continue to be the problem.
— ✭Rod✭ (@Rod0488) March 7, 2024
Houston has literally been one of the worst run franchises since their founding. Always take a hefty grain of salt from someone who had a tenure end on less than good terms
— Drew (@Drew11USF) March 7, 2024
