After a strategic motivational challenge from coaching staff, Tyler Guyton secures his role at left tackle with veteran guidance from future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith.
OXNARD, Calif. - Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton is one player that most of Cowboys Nation is keeping a watchful eye on this offseason.
And the coaching staff here in Oxnard has been watching, too.
Previous to this camp, head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that Guyton will be in competition with Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle spot.
For a first-round pick, to be entering Year 3 with his job on the line wasn't exactly the greatest endorsement.
But on Tuesday, after one day in pads, Schotty has issued an announcement: Guyton is going to win the job and keep his starting position.
All along, we've said that Dallas wants Tyler to win this job. Announcing publicly that Thomas will battle him for the role was designed to light a fire under Guyton.
And maybe it worked.
“Same equation," Guyton said. “Come to work every day and get better. There's obviously competition everywhere on the team, and everybody wants to play. So, friendly competition isn't bad, it brings the best out of people."
Meanwhile, during the offseason and regular season, it isn't uncommon to see former players come out to practice and help with drills and teaching.
And there has been one this offseason that has been noticed, and in truth, it's superb to see.
Future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith was spotted with the offensive line multiple times already this offseason, and for a player like Guyton, to have one of the best left tackles to ever play the game, take him under his wing, along with the rest of the offensive line, is a great experience.
But is there a specific day that Tyron shows up to help?
“I mean, 'Gold Jacket' shows up when he wants," Guyton added. "It's whatever day he wants. He's been a big help for us as offensive linemen. His presence in our room and on the field with us is incredible. There's not really much that you can't learn from a guy like Tyron Smith. He knows everything about football, especially the left tackle position.”
In what is a crucial offseason for Guyton, to have Smith there to learn from is perhaps the ideal definition of perfect timing.
Now, the big thing seems to be that first-round pick Guyton has maybe taken Tyron's advice ... on the way to keeping his job.
