After landing in Texas via an offseason trade from the New England Patriots, Joe Milton III is embracing his role as the Dallas Cowboys‘ backup quarterback with creativity, focus, and a little help from home.
The former Tennessee Volunteers star, known for his physical tools and raw potential, now faces the challenge of quickly adapting to a new playbook under Brian Schottenheimer.
But while many quarterbacks pore over film or rely on chalkboard breakdowns, Milton is opting for something a bit more unorthodox – and more hands-on.
As reported by The Athletic’s Jon Machota, Milton has turned to poker chips and masking tape as his primary tools for learning formations and play concepts. Instead of erasing a board repeatedly, Milton lays down a strip of tape as a line of scrimmage and places labeled poker chips on a table to represent each offensive position.
His partner in this process? His girlfriend, who reads plays aloud from the team’s script. Milton then calls the play back and aligns the chips to mimic the formation. This technique, which he plans to use throughout the offseason break, is designed to help him internalize the Cowboys’ offensive terminology and flow.
“Milton has a unique way he learns a new offense. The traditional dry-erase board doesn’t work for him. He prefers a piece of tape and poker chips… His girlfriend has the script. She calls out a play. Milton repeats it back. He then goes to his chips and lines them up in the formation,” Machota reported.
Milton impressing coaches with effort and attention to detail
The Cowboys acquired Milton in a low-risk deal, sending a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Milton and a 2025 seventh-rounder.
Despite being a developmental prospect, he has already drawn positive feedback during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Brian Schottenheimer has publicly praised Milton’s work ethic, athletic upside, and willingness to absorb the offense from every angle.
“I’m blessed,” Milton said when asked about his opportunity in Dallas. He also cited the warmer climate as a bonus after his time in New England.
Still, Milton faces a deep quarterback room. He’s competing with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, and former Steelers starter Kenny Pickett for a backup spot behind franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. Each brings experience and a unique skill set to the table, making the path to playing time a steep climb.
But Milton‘s unconventional study tactics and the consistency he’s bringing to his preparation show why the Cowboys saw value in bringing him aboard. His proactive mindset and supportive home environment – especially his girlfriend’s involvement – have added an extra layer to his learning that goes beyond traditional playbook drills.
Whether or not he breaks into the active lineup this year, Joe Milton III is laying a strong foundation in Dallas, showing that when it comes to mastering the NFL game, innovation and effort go hand in hand.
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