Oxnard, California – One of the themes for this year’s Dallas Cowboy Training Camp is ‘next man up.’ A notable philosophy where every player on a team must be willing to get the job done and rise to the top, allowing the team to move forward and win in the face of adverse circumstances and setbacks. Dallas’ new edge rusher, Robert Quinn, fits that description in more ways than one.
“ All of a sudden, a few times I blacked out,” Quinn discussed with me. “ The doctors said I probably would not make it out of the hospital. They said I wouldn’t play football again.”
In high school at Fort Dorchester in South Carolina, Quinn was at the top of his game with the world at his feet and a promising college football career. He was rated one of the best defensive ends in the nation. However, things can change in the blink of an eye.
His senior year, Quinn had to have brain surgery on a benign tumor. He spent time with loved ones for what he thought would be his last week.
“ If I made it out, I was going to take advantage of it. From there on out, I try to wake up with a smile everyday. I try to push across the message peace, love, and happiness. You can preach about so much negative and all the controversy going on in the world, but I think we need to be more positive if you want positivity around you. I am definitely blessed.”
He made a full recovery and what doctors said was impossible, became reality for Quinn. He was given a second chance at life and he has lived out his purpose pursuing his passion- the game of football. He is now going into his ninth year in the National Football League with America’s Team.
No.58 not only persevered through the life threatening surgery and recovery process, but he has also risen to the top and faced setbacks head on throughout his football journey.
Quinn had a similar situation with the Rams (2011-2017) and Dolphins (2018) prior to signing with the Cowboys. Both teams moved from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and felt he no longer fit the scheme. Dallas signed him as a free agent back in March to fulfill their need for depth at defensive end with Randy Gregory’s suspension. He is now apart of Rod Marinelli’s base defense in Dallas.
“ This guy knows how to rush, “ defensive coordinator, Rod Marinelli, remarked to me on Quinn following Saturday’s morning practice. “ Our group loves him and he is a pro…he has quickness, speed, and is very tenacious-that’s what I like about him. He fits our group. Another pull player…that outside move of his is special: cross chop with his left hand. He has got a signature now but he has done it for awhile.”
Quinn will line up opposite DeMarcus Lawrence come fall. The 29-year-old will be another playmaker to assist sealing the edge and penetrating opposing offensive fronts. He looked sharp in drills and is excited to be back in the scheme he thrives under.
“ He allows defensive lineman to play get up and attack. I get to stay on my favorite side, the right side. I will do my best to help the team be successful.”
There is no doubt the edge duo of DeMarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn will wreak havoc on offenses throughout the 2019 season. The defense has spoken to Quinn on the initiation process of becoming a member of the ‘hotboyz’ and he laughingly stated, “ I have to earn my stripes!”
The best is yet to come for Dallas’ right edge man.
