When the Dallas Cowboys take the field next Sunday for their season opener against the New York Giants, they’ll only have four captains on their squad.
Although most NFL teams have five captains on their roster, the Cowboys have only given that distinction to four players: quarterback Dak Prescott, kicker Brandon Aubrey, and defensive linemen Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams.
Prescott has been the leader for the Cowboys since joining the franchise in 2016. He’s coming off a fine 2025 season where he threw for 4,552 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Williams, meanwhile, is expected to be the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ defense this fall. The front office is certainly hoping for All-Pro production after signing him to a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension.
“He represents everything that we want in a Dallas Cowboys football player,” Stephen Jones said. “He’s not only a great football player, but he’s a man, he’s a leader who people in the locker room look to every day. I was just talking to Christian [Parker], he’s the best player out on the field.”
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Sky-high expectations for Dallas.
The Cowboys are coming off an underwhelming 7-9-1 season under Brian Schottenheimer, but expectations remain high in Dallas.
On paper, the Cowboys should have an improved defense this fall. If they’re just average across the board, that should be enough to help out their explosive offense, which features game-changers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Will the Cowboys finally deliver a Super Bowl to their fans or will this be yet another season of unfilled promises?
