In a recent article by Kalyn Kahler of ESPN.com, the spotlight is on the Cowboys’ unique practice facility setup that involves daily tours for fans. However, the story takes an unexpected turn as two former players mentioned in the article dispute the quotes attributed to them.
Former Cowboys player, now Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., allegedly stated in the ESPN article, “You got real facilities here. You might not see tourists coming around, but it keeps the main thing the main thing.” However, Fowler took to Twitter to clarify, “I didn’t say that,” followed by a cap emoji.
Another former Cowboy, cornerback Kelvin Joseph, who has since moved on to the Chiefs and now with the Colts, reportedly said, “Over here [in Kansas City] … the point is the football and winning championships. There [in Dallas], it was a lot of football and like, other stuff.” Joseph responded on Twitter, “Lol they tried set us up.”
It’s a curious situation as neither Fowler nor Joseph made any controversial remarks. Yet, there seems to be a consensus among former players regarding the distractions caused by the constant presence of fans in the practice facility.
One ex-player not featured in the ESPN article, quarterback Ben DiNucci, shed some light on the peculiar environment, recalling, “I’ll never forget when I would work out on Tuesday mornings and have people tapping on the weight room glass like I was supposed to do something cool on command. Definitely a different business structure inside the Star.”
While the exact words of Fowler and Joseph may be up for debate, the overall sentiment expressed in the article resonates with other players who have experienced the challenges of practicing in a facility open to fans on a daily basis.
