Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer gestures during training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
OXNARD, Calif. – Following a 7-10 season, the Dallas Cowboys are reshaping their identity under first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
With 15 new staff members, including defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the team is building what they’ve often referred to as a brotherhood at training camp.
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A key sign of this shift: ending practices with prayer circles.
Thursday’s practice ended with positions groups in prayer circles. Cowboys linebacker Buddy Johnson told me this is a new thing encouraged by Brian Schottenheimer and his staff—just another example of how the culture is changing in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/5ImDDjJyyO
Linebacker Buddy Johnson, a former Texas A&M University star, shared with KSAT his thoughts on the post-practice prayer circles, which are divided into position groups.
Johnson noted that the prayer circles, introduced by Schottenheimer’s staff, resonate deeply with him, as faith is a core part of his life.
Johnson said he appreciates the staff’s efforts to foster a brotherhood.
In Dallas, Schottenheimer is using locker rearrangements and activities like ping-pong to build camaraderie. With a challenging 2025 schedule looming, this renewed culture will be put to the test early.
Mary Rominger is KSAT 12 Sports' first full-time female sports anchor and reporter.
She came to San Antonio from Mankato, Minn., where she worked as a weekend sports anchor at KEYC News Now. She has a journalism degree from Iowa State University and grew up in Southern California.
Mary enjoys golfing, sports and finding new spots around town.