Tyler Guyton’s Rapid Rise: From Oklahoma Standout to Dallas Cowboys’ Left Tackle
Tyler Guyton, the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round rookie left tackle, is quickly making a name for himself both on and off the field. Selected 29th overall, Guyton’s intelligence, confidence, and athletic ability are setting him apart and earning him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
Adapting Quickly
Guyton’s quick adaptation to the Cowboys’ system has been nothing short of impressive. Within a short period of time, he has shown a remarkable ability to understand and execute the schemes thrown at him. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' star quarterback, highlighted this when he recalled a team jeopardy night where Guyton’s intelligence shone brightly. “The dude jumped up there and spelled it as fast without any hesitation as I have ever seen. Still mind blown, to be honest with you,” Prescott said.
Impressive Preseason Showings
During training camp, Guyton’s skills at left tackle have been exceptional. His ability to hold his ground against elite defensive players has not gone unnoticed. In one padded practice, Guyton managed to stonewall Micah Parsons, a feat that caught the eye of head coach Mike McCarthy, who remarked, “I thought he had some nice reps against Micah.”
Prescott also emphasized Guyton’s developmental strides: “His intelligence and confidence for sure. It’s showing on the field, too. The guy has picked up everything we have thrown at him... He comes back with the same mindset and does win it that time.”
Guided by Experience
Guyton’s journey to the NFL began at the University of Oklahoma, where he started 13 of his 14 collegiate games at right tackle. Transitioning to the left side, where he now showcases his talents for the Cowboys, has been smoother thanks to the guidance of left guard Tyler Smith. Both hailing from Texas, Smith has taken on a mentorship role, helping Guyton adjust to the professional level. “He’s helped me out a lot. He’s like a big brother to me,” Guyton acknowledged.
Smith, who has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line, praised Guyton’s physical attributes and his potential. “It’s not very often that you find a human being who measures how he does, 6-7, 330 and has light feet and can just move and just bully dudes,” Smith noted. “The sky truly is the limit for him and his development.”
Off-Field Contributions
Guyton isn’t just making an impact on the field. He played a memorable part during a rookie karaoke session, performing “Mary Jane” by Rick James. “It’s a song that everybody knows is groovy and that would work,” Guyton commented, showcasing his confidence and charisma.
Recently, Guyton faced a bout of illness that caused him to miss three practices. His return was marked by a cautious approach, participating in a limited capacity. “I’m feeling better, for sure. I’m just under the weather, working my way back now,” he said.
Despite these minor setbacks, Guyton’s resolve remains strong. When asked about competing against the high-caliber talent on his team, especially players like Parsons, Guyton remarked on the mutual benefit of these matchups. Parsons echoed this sentiment, saying, “Of course it did. We’re both getting each other better... Going up against him, even losing, helps me out.”
The Road Ahead
The Dallas Cowboys anticipate that Tyler Guyton’s presence on the offensive line will have a significant impact. While he steps into the shoes of his predecessor, Tyron Smith, both Prescott and Guyton himself emphasize the importance of carving out his unique path. Prescott summed it up aptly: “He has to be Tyler Guyton. Doesn’t really matter who played here before him... At the end of the day, you just need to be yourself and the best version of yourself.”
As the Cowboys prepare for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, all eyes will be on Guyton to see how he continues to develop and assert his role within the team. With his blend of intelligence, athleticism, and unwavering confidence, Tyler Guyton appears poised to become a vital component of Dallas’ formidable offensive line for years to come.