A vintage card fuels Brian Schottenheimer's emotional drive, inspiring the Cowboys' remarkable turnaround and playoff resurgence.
FRISCO - When Brian Schottenheimer is commanding the sideline during Dallas Cowboys games, we all see the paper product he carries in his hand: It’s the play-call sheet for that day’s game plan.
What we don’t see is the paper product he carries in his pocket: It’s a 1971 Topps Marty Schottenheimer card, and its presence drives the coach to tears …
And maybe drives the coach, period.
“To be able to have my dad with me just kind of in my pocket, it strengthens my resolve at times,’’ Brian said after his team's win over Kansas City on Thanksgiving. “It keeps me calm at times.”
Marty Schottenheimer played in the NFL as a linebacker (as his vintage Boston Patriots card proves) before becoming a legendary coach.
Marty passed away in 2021, but Brian is proudly carrying on his legacy.
“What I would give to have him around as a sounding board right now,” he said. “Man, how much I could have used him a couple weeks ago and at different times throughout this season.’’
Of course, just like a token you might carry with you, it doesn't come with success guaranteed.
Brian, 52, is a first-time head coach who credited with steering the Cowboys through tumultuous times. The Cowboys traded their best player, Micah Parsons, to begin the season. Dallas went into its Week 10 bye at 3-5-1, signaling to many that the season was essentially over.
And then Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died from suicide.
Schotty's work has been impressive in many ways.
But ...
Dallas is now 6-6-1 and pressing its nose against the playoff-picture glass. They won three consecutive games, over the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. ... but then lost, 44-30, at Detroit last week.
That's put a dent in the team's postseason plan.
Now they watch "Monday Night Football'' tonight hoping the 8-4 NFC East-leading Eagles lose at the Chargers to help keep alive Dallas' dream.
All along, though, the steady hand of the new coach seems to have connected with this team.
“I’m a compassionate person,” Schottenheimer said. “I love people. (Kneeland’s death) has really impacted me. It reminded me of how blessed I am to be in this role and how much I love these young men and how fortunate I am to sit in this position. I’m not afraid to cry in front of the guys when I’m sad. I’m not afraid to yell when I’m mad. I stay true to my emotions. I have a lot of energy and juice and that’s always going to be on display. But probably just be authentic.
“I think that’s why the guys will follow, because I am who I am.’’
Schottenheimer’s not much of a braggart. So let’s call that a “humblebrag.’’ He is hinting here that he is a driving force. He doesn’t do it often.
But it's true. And facing four more games and an uphill battle for a playoff berth? More "driving'' is needed.
“I’m still connected with him,” Schottenheimer said of his late father. “And when times are a little bit difficult, I talk to him and now I can feel his presence with me holding that football card. … It just reminds me, I want to make him proud. I think he’s a legendary football coach, but he was an incredible and better person and father and leader of men.’’
And speaking of "incredible'' ... that's what Marty's son's team needs to happen for the rest of the month.