Cowboys Want J.J. Wilcox to Step Into Leadership Role

Wilcox is entering his second season in the NFL

The Dallas Cowboys opted against spending a high-round draft pick on a safety this year, saying they were comfortable with the position group as it stands. That group includes 23-year-old J.J. Wilcox, who says the team has already approached him in hopes that he’ll take on a leadership role in the Dallas secondary.

“I understand that I only got one year under my belt, but I still have to communicate and be a leader back there in the backfield,” Wilcox said, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “My cornerbacks and my other safety and my linebackers help me with it and understand that I’m going to be a leader. That’s a role I’m going to have to step in and be.”

A third round pick out of Georgia Southern last year, Wilcox appeared in 13 games and started five last year, recording 38 tackles and one pass defensed--not exactly eyebrow-raising numbers, but Wilcox feels that with that experience, he’s in position to win the starting job opposite Barry Church out of camp.

“You have to start somewhere with a rotation,” he said after working alongside Barry Church with the first-team defense. “My name was up first. It doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going to start. But it’s how I’m going to attack it. It’s how I’m going to prepare for it.”

Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe, text HELP for more info, and text STOP to end the subscription. Message and data rates may apply.Read more about it here.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us