In the shadow of AT&T Stadium’s massive jumbotron, the newest Cowboy walked onto the field for rookie minicamp—not with swagger, but with purpose. He didn’t pose for the cameras or shout promises. Instead, he adjusted his gloves, dropped into a stance, and treated every walkthrough like it was 3rd and short in December. He wasn’t trying to replace a legend—he was trying to become one. And in a franchise that’s seen the likes of Larry Allen, Zack Martin, and Tyron Smith carve out Hall of Fame paths, the pressure isn’t subtle. But neither is his resolve.

When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys‘ offensive line, Tyler Booker is already turning heads. Drafted 12th overall out of Alabama, the 6-foot-5, 335-pound guard isn’t just expected to compete for Zack Martin’s vacated right guard spot—he’s being groomed to become the next foundational piece of a reloaded trench unit. Under Brian Schottenheimer’s system and alongside Cooper Beebe and Terence Steele, Booker’s role is pivotal. But despite the first-round pedigree and expectations, the rookie isn’t assuming anything. Recently, he made headlines for clearing up his stance on working with renowned O-line guru Duke Manyweather.

Booker, as most around the league now know, is wired differently. First-round picks are often expected to walk in and start, but Booker’s made it clear—he’s earning everything. On Saturday, Cowboys insider Brandon Loree posted on X, “@BigDuke50 continues to be a source of wisdom for young and veteran offensive linemen alike.” Booker didn’t shy away from explaining why working with the O-line consultant mattered.

“He’s the best in the business in my opinion. All the best trained with him,” Booker said. “So I was like, hey, I want to be the best. I want to go train with Duke, and that was the whole purpose. He knows what it’s like to be great. He’s made some of the good players great, and I want to be one of those guys.” He continued, “That’s definitely helped me for the better, and I’m very excited to go get some work with him whenever I have the availability. Having him so close, that’s just another resource. That’s another reason Dallas was the perfect spot for me.”

That’s the mindset Dallas fans hoped for. With rookie minicamp underway—mostly limited to walkthroughs under NFL CBA rules—Booker still managed to make the most of his reps. After grinding through high school at IMG Academy and making his name at Alabama, he knows he’s back at square one in the NFL. The journey is starting all over again—and he’s ready for it.

Sure, Booker has said all the right things since being drafted. But in Dallas, words aren’t currency—performance is. And based on his early impressions, he’s not just talking the talk—he’s starting to walk the walk. As Booker sets his tone for the offseason, team owner Jerry Jones is already dreaming big about what the rookie might unlock for the offense.

Tyler Booker: The secret weapon for Cowboys’ Tush Push?

The Cowbo͏ys made waves when they selected Booker at No. 12 overall. Jerry Jones was downright giddy after the pick, especially when imagining a new-look interior line featuring Booker, Tyler Smith, and center Cooper Beebe. At the Cowboys’ post-draft press conference, Jones quipped, “Put him in there with that big Beebe and put him in with Tyler, and we might be able to tush push.”

That got a laugh, but there was truth in the humor. The “tush push”—a QB sneak play popularized by the Eagles—has been a cheat code in short-yardage situations. Although the league has debated banning the maneuver, it’s still legal for now. Even if the Cowboys don’t run it with Dak Prescott, Jones knows his revamped interior line has the brute force to win at the point of attack.

Whether it’s for the tush push or just to establish dominance on the ground, Booker’s addition could be transformative. Known for his power and poise, the Alabama product looks poised to start in Week 1. His presence helps solidify a unit that’s seen significant changes following the departures of Zack Martin and Tyron Smith. Offseason moves have also signaled a philosophical shift in Dallas. The Cowboys added Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency—reuniting him with new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus—while also retooling the trenches through the draft.

It’s clear: the 2025 Cowboys are trying to build a tougher, more physical identity. Tyler Booker fits that mold. He’s got the mentality, the mentorship, and now, the stage. Whether it’s opening lanes, sealing edges, or protecting Prescott’s blindside, Booker’s path to greatness starts now. And with Duke Manyweather in his corner and Jerry Jones hyping him as a game-changer, the spotlight will be bright.

Based on everything Booker’s said—and done—so far, he wouldn’t have it any other way.