OXNARD, Calif. – Each year, incessant chatter surrounds “standout” players throughout training camp. Which players are consistently making an impact on the field during practice? For the Dallas Cowboys on the defensive side of the ball, that player is defensive end Randy Gregory.
However, the hype building on the relentless pass rusher is not solely based on his effectiveness in the trenches but also his journey to get here. This is the first full offseason program Gregory has been through since his rookie year in 2015- due to multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. Throughout his tenure in Dallas since his second-round selection in 2015, Gregory has made 38 game appearances as a result of his off-the-field issues. When healthy, Gregory has been one of the most feared pass rushers in the league with his rare bend and first-step quickness, but his substance addiction hindered his growth and derailed his career, never full reaching his potential.
Gregory is back but fully aware of the work that must be done.
“There’s still a lot to prove on the field,” Gregory described to media. “I still feel like I haven’t truly arrived. So, there’s a lot for me to do. With that said, I still want to give myself a pat on the back. I really feel like I’ve deserved it to get to this point. From this point on, like I said, I got to put some good plays on the field, and stay out of trouble, which I’m trying to do, and be the guy that everyone expects me to be, and I expect me to be.”
Despite the personal demons and assembly line of suspensions, the Cowboys stuck by Gregory, believing in his talent and striving to offer him long-term solutions instead of short-term disciplinary action for his medical condition. The 28-year-old was conditionally reinstated by the NFL last September, and after fulfilling the mandatory football acclimation period, he returned for the final 10 games of the 2020 season. Gregory ranked third on the team with quarterback pressures (16), earning him the second-best overall defensive grade (80.5) behind DeMarcus Lawrence, per Pro Football Focus.
It is a continual growth process, but a more mature Randy Gregory is staring at himself in the mirror. He is in a better state both mentally and physically, garnering recognition from head coach Mike McCarthy and a spot on the players’ leadership council.
“I think it says a lot as far as my journey and as far as my growth,” Gregory stated. “I think five years ago this would never be a conversation. I didn’t have any sort of leadership skills, and even right now I’m still working on those things. One of my things is just being more vocal. I hadn’t been very good at that in the past and I’m trying to do that around the guys a little bit. Next is obviously putting a good product, making sure I know what I need to do so that I actually look like a leader and act like a leader…I try to do the right thing on and off the field right now, and, like I said, putting the leadership skills to the test and just trying to lead the guys in a way I know how. I’m not going to be the rah-rah guy. Every guy leads in his own way, and I’ll find my own role in it.”
As a projected starter for the first time in his career opposite DeMarcus Lawrence, the production on the field comes next. If asked about the top performing defensive players throughout camp, Gregory would be listed on the top. His explosion out of a two-point stance is jaw-dropping. He is about as tantalizing as it gets for a defensive end with his ability to lock out offensive tackles at the point of attack. He has also gained some weight to add to his production in run fits.
He has continued to work one-on-one with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn during the beginning portion of practice on his get-off and hand placement. Quinn’s attention to detail and one-gap approach will benefit Gregory and accelerate his growth in 2021.
“I mean, he’s [Dan Quinn] really good with the details. He’s going to push and get the best out of you. The best way I can put it is I was always a big fan of Coach [Rod] Marinelli when he was here. He’s very similar to him and Coach [Kris] Richard. I think Richard and him probably worked together at some point. So, yeah, he’s intense. He’s genuine, smart guy, wants the best for you, and he’s going to put the best guys out there that are going to help us win games that deserve to be out there. Each and every day he’s pushing us to be the best we can be, and that’s all you can ask for in a coach.”
Gregory has just scratched the surface and will be unleashed this upcoming season. A scary thought for NFC East offenses.
