The Dallas Cowboys added a familiar friend to their practice squad this week with offensive tackle La’el Collins.
La’el Collins’ New Role
Collins discussed how the conversation started for him to return to Dallas as he spent the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals before a season-ending ACL tear occurred.
He said Will McClay, the vice president of player personnel for the Cowboys, called him to pitch the idea of his return to Dallas.
Collins was all for it, saying, “I just told him, ‘Hey, let’s make it happen. Let’s go win this thing.'”
It was an easy decision for Collins, especially since he still resides in Dallas during the offseason.
Although he was at peace with the idea of allowing his body to heal for the full season before trying to return to the NFL next year, he felt the timing was right to make a deal with the Cowboys.
But he also mentioned feeling the best he has ever felt, especially after a full year of no contact.
“I really feel like this is like the reset button, and it’s going to help prolong my career,” he said.
Collins said although he was taking a year for his body to heal, he also felt that he was mentally prepared to return as well.
As for his role on this team? Collins said it’s simple: play football.
Collins can bring position flexibility at both guard and tackle. Ultimately, he said he is happy to be in his position and help the team win.
A Warm Welcome Back
Collins got a warm welcome from everyone when he returned to “The Star.”
“The moment I walked in the building, it just felt like I was just right back at home. It felt like I didn’t even leave, and it was special, and I really have embraced that,” said Collins.
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One of the first people to welcome him back was Dak Prescott, whom Collins said he had just talked to a week before the call to bring him back to Dallas was made.
He also mentioned watching the Cowboys’ offensive line every week this season.
“Dak, you could hear him on TV. I know the calls. The new cadence is pretty cool. I like the ‘here we go,'” said Collins.
Collins was with the Cowboys from 2015 to 2021, so both sides have a history.
The biggest difference from the last time Collins was with the team is his age; he is now 30. He is ready to come into the locker room and be a leader in any way he can for the younger players around.
Collins said he wants to be an open book for anyone who wants to listen to his advice or needs him to hear them out.
“I’ve been through a lot of different things, and I’ve grown a lot. I’m 30 now, man; I remember coming in this thing at 21 thinking I knew it all, and I ain’t know nothing,” said Collins.
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