Moments after signing a one-day deal to retire in the silver and navy, Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith did what he didn't do much during his 14-year career. Talk.
On Wednesday, the Cowboys held a press conference for the legendary offensive lineman that already has a guaranteed spot in the franchise's Ring of Honor with a Hall of Fame induction likely to follow as soon as 2030.
During it, Smith was asked a question he probably knew the answer to before the reporter—Saad Yousuf from The Athletic—was even done asking it: Which Cowboys defender helped him sharpen his football early in his career?
"I would probably say that man is sitting in the back over there, (DeMarcus Ware)," Smith said looking across the room. "Taught me a lot. Taught me that you're not the biggest man on the field or strongest man on the field, and that it comes down to technique. And taught me a lot. And it was games early on that I was struggling with and he pulled me to the side and worked with me and helped me be to who I am today, as far as player."
Smith's appreciation of Ware didn't stop there though, as he jokingly added: "And I still credit that man for teaching me how to shave my head."
By the time Smith entered the NFL, Ware was already well on his way to make the Hall of Fame. In his first five years in the league, Ware racked up five All-Pro seasons, including three First-Team honors. When Smith was a rookie, the star defender's iconic 20-sack season was already three years in the rearview mirror.
Ware's advice for Smith helped propel a different Hall of Fame career but it wasn't just talking that did the schooling. As David Helman had shared on social media earlier, the offensive lineman was picked apart by Ware in early practices.
"Got his *** whipped 3-4 times a day during camp," Helman wrote on X.
During his press conference, Smith went through a long list of players and coaches and added details for almost every name he mentioned. But Ware's help as a defender might've been some of the most impactful he had for his career. And it's something he made sure to pay forward.
"D-Ware approached me and helped me along," Smith said when talking about helping younger players like Micah Parsons. "I just understood what it meant to do it, it took all of us and so if anything, I could help any other teammate come along, or help them out, any kind of thing that nobody else is telling them to help us win, or help that player be just a better person or better player. I'll give them that advice. . . It takes all of us to win the game."
