Tyler Guyton, the Dallas Cowboys‘ second-year left tackle, is determined to make a significant leap forward after a challenging rookie season. During the team’s fifth organized team activity held at The Star, he spent over an hour on the field, showcasing his commitment to improving his performance. Guyton’s football journey started as an offensive right tackle at the University of Oklahoma. Now, he takes on the equally exhilarating task of supplanting future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith.
Despite eventually starting 11 of the 15 games he played last season, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He ended the year on a high note with 14 accepted penalties. This remarkable total ranked him third in the league and featured eight holding penalties as well as five false starts. On top of that, he blocked for seven sacks on the year. Injuries stacked the deck against him even further. He sat out two games with knee/shoulder issues and suffered significant health issues during training camp.
Knowing that he could do better, Guyton has made a commitment to a strict training plan. Weighing in at 322 pounds, today he regularly stretches for an hour nearly every evening in his exercise room. He has taken radical steps to improve his diet. He eliminated fried food, a huge change for a former self-described “Caniac.” Raising Cane’s holds a special delight for legislators as they voted to approve.
It’s no wonder to see Guyton’s determination as he enters the offensive line room with an open slate. He’ll be getting plenty of expert guidance from offensive line coordinator Klayton Adams and line coach Conor Riley. He knows how crucial this year is for his career.
“He understands how important this year is for him,” – Brian Schottenheimer
Looking back on his first year in the league, Guyton didn’t mince words when discussing his rookie campaign, saying simply, “I failed last year.” This admission of his previous play shows how he’s open to criticism and becoming a better player. He knows that taking the place of an elite player like Tyron Smith will be no easy task.
“I feel like I almost got emotional watching Tyron Smith because that’s a guy that I looked up to,” – Tyler Guyton
Guyton’s aspirations extend beyond individual improvement. He aims to embody the legacy of Smith, who has long been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. He frequently stated his intent to follow in Smith’s footsteps. In response, “I want to be a great left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys,” he pronounced. So hearing his legacy go 10 years long, it’s just super a blessing and I want to fill that role.
The Cowboys coaching staff has high hopes for Guyton, but expect him to take a step forward in his second season. They are raising their game when it comes to physical conditioning and mental preparation. They hope this will be the key to him becoming a trusted player for the team.
As he prepares for an NFL breakout season this fall, Guyton’s first-person example of rising star potential shines bright. He understands that there are several layers of consistency that will be required to clear the obstacles he ran into last year.
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