FRISCO, Texas – At the outset of the 2018 season, no one could have foreseen Joe Looney being the centerpiece of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, but he has had a tremendous impact on America’s Team in more ways than one. Four-time Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick battled shoulder and neck issues throughout Training Camp and the team believed he was suffering from stingers. When the team arrived back in Dallas and he consulted with several doctors, he made the announcement that he had been diagnosed with autoimmune disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Three-year backup veteran Joe Looney got the opportunity he had prepared for in an unwanted set of circumstances. Looney had worked closely with Frederick in the past absorbing information from him and discussing hypothetical play calls for scenarios on the field. Those words of wisdom came into play as he assumed the role of center and its full responsibilities for the Cowboys.
A center is often an underrated role in a team’s o-line, but it is one of the most important roles on offense behind the role of quarterback. A center carries the load of beginning each play with the snap of the ball, where the expectation is perfection. He has to be able to move his hands backward for the snap but move his feet forward and quickly adjust to get hands up to block opposing defensive lineman. A center sets the protection of the QB and slides to a certain direction based off the defensive front’s look on a particular play. He also has to keep into account the QB’s snap count and identify assignments for the other o-lineman, based off where the safety depth is located.
Looney has exceeded expectations this year as the centerpiece in the offensive line, as injuries have stacked up around him. He has done a remarkable job opening up holes for Ezekiel Elliott, paving the way for ball carriers, using his size and mobility to help players gain yardage on critical downs, and creating enough time for Dak in the pocket to release the ball. His performance on the field has been impressive, but it is his positive attitude and contagious spirit and smile on and off the field that sets him apart from the rest.
“ He has a tremendous attitude, “ Jason Garrett commented. “ We call him Rudy Giuliani. He is the Mayor of the Training Table. He is fantastic. We have named personnel groups after him: Jumbo Joe and Jumbo 13 X. He has had a very positive impact on this team and he has played awfully well this year. “
His teammates and coaches cannot help but smile and light up when discussing Joe. He has the mindset and love of the game that has made a dramatic difference in the Cowboys’ locker-room and that coaches look for and admire. The team loves him and his playful spirit, dancing, and joke telling around the Star.
Garrett relayed the story of Looney helping his wife, Brill, with her afternoon teaching program in East Dallas. He said that he recommended Joe and that he, “Got there early and stayed late. “ He “ led the kids through the hall in a parade and that the kids still talk about that day. “
Looney has had an immense responsibility placed on his shoulders this season and has handled the challenge with an unwavering positive outlook. He has never stopped smiling and is the same bubbly guy, no matter what he goes through. He immediately gained the respect of his teammates and the leadership role in the o-line after Frederick’s diagnosis. His perspective on life and the way he handles the tasks of each day is an inspiration. The Cowboys are now a 9-6 team heading into their last regular season game as the NFC East Champions, and that would not have been possible without No. 73.
