The Dallas Cowboys have a new leader, and he’s already making his mark. After taking over for Mike McCarthy, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is gradually erasing his predecessor’s system, beginning with the team’s captains.
For the past five seasons, the Cowboys have rotated captains on a weekly basis, but Schottenheimer is changing that. He initially wanted four permanent captains for the 2025 season, but the players had a different idea and voted for six.
The new team captains are: Osa Odighizuwa, Donovan Wilson, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aubrey, and C.J. Goodwin. Schottenheimer will not be adding an extra captain for the season opener.
What makes a captain?
Schottenheimer’s vision for his captains is clear. He expects them to “be the guys to the forefront that lead us,” emphasizing communication and authenticity. “Lead the way you want to lead,” he told the newly appointed leaders.
One of the more surprising choices was safety Donovan Wilson, a player known for being soft-spoken. Schottenheimer pointed to Wilson’s physical play style as the reason his teammates voted for him.
Donovan was the perfect choice
“There’s an intensity with Dono,” the Cowboys helmsman said. “I love the guy. When I go around and talk to guys before practice, the handshake, the embracement, the eye contact is just different. The guy just loves football, and so that’s why you let the players vote. I think the players got it right.”
Wilson was named a captain for a single game last season, but his teammates’ vote solidifies his role as a leader under the new coaching staff.
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