Why Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup Is All Smiles Ahead of the 2023 Season

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup talked exclusively with PFN ahead of the official start of the 2023 NFL regular season.

What Is Michael Gallup’s Mindset Heading Into the Regular Season?

Heading into his sixth season with the Cowboys, Gallup has faced his share of adversity, including the ACL tear to his left knee in Week 17 of the 2021 season. He returned to the field last year in Week 4 against the Washington Commanders and scored a touchdown in the process.

Welcome back, Michael Gallup! #DallasCowboys

(Via: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/xC4fVHhpJr

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 2, 2022

However, the Cowboys wide receiver admits that he struggled to find himself after his return last season. But after utilizing the offseason to build up the camaraderie with Dak Prescott and the WR room, Gallup says he can’t stop smiling as he heads into the 2023 season.

Dak Prescott, Michael Gallup, Ceedee Lamb, and Brandin Cooks after 7 on 7 drills. pic.twitter.com/r1BxnuEnCB

— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) May 25, 2023

“I feel so good. I just smile all the time. I keep telling folks that I just smile when I walk in here because I know it’s go-time soon,” said Gallup, whose mindset is “1,000 leaps forward” from where it was this time last year when he wasn’t cleared to play yet.

But now that Gallup can start the season and is fully healthy, his theme this year is simply loving what he does.

“That’s probably one of the biggest things. I’m blessed to play this game, do what I do, you know, put a smile on some kid’s face when I’m walking in the stadium. I’m blessed,” said Gallup.

Gallup on Defining Personal Success With Leadership

Gallup wants to define success this season by playing his best throughout the year but also to help the younger receivers around him play at their best.

“I feel like that’s something I bring to the table. Whether it’s talking to somebody on the sideline telling about this route or them helping me, you know, vice versa. So I just want everybody to be at best, and I want to be a part of it.”

MORE: How Does Noah Igbinoghene Feel About Being Traded to Dallas?

The 27-year-old says being one of the veterans in the room comes with more maturity and professionalism than he had before. But being an example for his teammates to look up to is a role he enjoys.

“If something goes wrong, somebody looks at me, and I enjoy that. I’ll take that role on. I’ll take that heat if I need to, but we got a great group. So I’m excited,” Gallup added.

Cowboys Other Wide Receivers

Some of those younger guys in the room are Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, who Gallup says he is excited to see on the field more this season. He characterized Turpin as a versatile player who claims he can create a pocket with his hands and execute a catch effortlessly, regardless of his location or activity.

He also said that Tolbert knows the offense “like a quarterback,” while crediting his explosiveness and ability to play any position. 

Meanwhile, Gallup is learning something new every day from Brandin Cooks. Gallup says, that since Day 1, Cooks has made an impact and offered to help them with whatever he could.

Gallup says, “When we’re out on the field, there’s always something that you can learn from Brandin [Cooks] like he’s been around so long. It doesn’t even matter if something comes up. He’s gonna let you know. So we definitely appreciate him, and he’s actually really fast if you haven’t seen it.”

WRs Ceedee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup working on their hand-eye coordination pic.twitter.com/8sZl1RiwM7

— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) July 27, 2023

Gallups believes this is one of the most talented teams he has been part of between offense and defense. He mentioned a competition between the two sides of the ball to see which unit could get more touchdowns or turnovers during the season.

When asked who he thinks will win the competition, he said, “Oh, definitely the offense for sure, for sure. That’s just easy.”