The Cowboys selected defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft following a successful college career at Michigan. Unfortunately, his rookie season was quite poor. Smith concluded the season with only nine solo tackles, 13 total tackles, and one sack.
Of course, rookies have a learning curve, but being a first-round pick comes with great expectations. Smith has gained weight this season, and he will carry even more as the Cowboys’ starting nose tackle. He’ll have Dallas’ newest addition, Jordan Phillips, right behind him, battling him for that spot, but he’s not concerned, and in fact sees it as a wonderful opportunity to learn from the veteran.
“Yeah, I know all about Jordan Phillips,” Smith responded. “He has made a number of plays. He’s a veteran of this game, and when you can add that to the mix, iron sharpens iron. That is what you desire. You want a room full of competitors. You don’t want anyone to relax. “This is football, you know what I mean?”
Mazi Smith’s New Cowboys Ink
Despite only being in his second season with the Cowboys, Mazi Smith received a new tattoo on his left arm featuring a large Dallas Cowboys star. Smith stated that he got the tattoo roughly two weeks before training camp.
Mazi Smith on his Cowboys tattoo: “I got the star about two weeks before I came out to camp. I’m working. Bought in. I love my opportunity I got here. … They trusted me. They’ve put resources around me to help me do what I’m supposed to do. I’m forever indebted. The game of… pic.twitter.com/W2vBnjzg38
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 15, 2024
Cowboys attempt to bolster the interior defensive line with Jordan Phillips transaction.
The Dallas Cowboys will play their second preseason game against the Raiders in Las Vegas. Here’s all you need to know about where and how to watch the action.
“I am working. Bought in. Smith added, “I love the opportunity that I’ve got here.” “They’ve put their trust in me and provided me with the resources I need to execute my job. I’m forever indebted. The game of football has given me so much. Prior to my arrival in the NFL, it provided me with numerous benefits. “When I got to the NFL, it just gave me more.”
Smith had some tackles for loss in the first quarter of the Cowboys’ preseason opener and played effectively until he was pulled in the second. He will be a player to watch in Saturday’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
