The Cowboys will begin the 2015 preseason with a game Thursday night in San Diego against the Chargers. Here are three things to watch the day before and day of the game.
No. 1 -- The Cowboys will take a train to San Diego. It has almost become an annual tradition, with tight end Jason Witten joking, "the boss likes the train, apparently."
The team rides the train from Oxnard, California to Oceanside, California down the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Head coach Jason Garrett described activities like this as "bonding" opportunities. Witten later admitted that he likes the train ride, saying that he had never ridden a train like the one the team takes by the beach.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys TE Jason Witten poses for a picture with a fan.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys C Shane McDermott signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys C Shane McDermott signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys G Zack Martin signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys C Shane McDermott signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar with his daughter.
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Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar with his daughter.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar with his daughter.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar with his daughter.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys LB Andrew Gachkar with his daughter.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett chats with Rams Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
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Cowboys coach Jason Garrett chats with Rams Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett chats with Rams Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett chats with Rams Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys DE Randy Gregory talks to the media after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams talks to the media after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley talks to the media after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo takes pictures with fans.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
LA Rams DE Chris Long talks to the media after a joint practice.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys-Rams joint practice about to take place
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Rams fan in LA really likes that Rams owner Stan Kroenke is trying to move the team to Los Angeles.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Loud chants of "L.A. Rams!" at #CowboysCamp.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Asked if there are specific repercussions for players if they fight in today's practice, Jason Garrett says, "No."
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
It is clearly killing Dez Bryant that he isn't in 1-on-1 drills vs. the Rams.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Strong security presence for today's Cowboys-Rams joint practice.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Packed house for Cowboys-Rams joint practice
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Rams coach Jeff Fisher has arrived and is doing a site survey for tomorrow's scrimmage with the Cowboys
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jerry Jones meets with Rams coach Jeff Fisher before tomorrow's joint practices here in Oxnard.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
What it looks like when you show up to #CowboysCamp wearing a 49ers jersey
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
We have a new hire here @NBCDFW, Rowdy's got this.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 News
Byron Jones left practice with an injury. Athletic trainers evaluated his left shoulder.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowobys TE Jason Witten signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowobys TE Jason Witten signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowobys TE Jason Witten signs autographs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys TE Gavin Escobar talks to the media after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys OT R.J. Dill talks to the media after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Done with practice
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Time for practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys safety Jeff Heath talks to the media after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys fullback Tyler Clutts talks to the media after practice.
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Cowboys C Travis Frederick signs autographs after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys C Travis Frederick signs autographs after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys C Travis Frederick signs autographs after practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys OL La'el Collins after practice.
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Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys Camp huddle.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
NBC 5 Sports photojournalist Noah Bullard at work.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 News
Cowboys FB Tyler Clutts talks to the media after practice.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
All quiet on the practice fields in Oxnard... #CowboysCamp
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Brandon Carr is at #Cowboys walkthrough, his right hand wrapped after having surgery Monday.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
#Cowboys walkthrough 11-on-11... No Dez Bryant this morning...
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
#Cowboys going 11-on-11...
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jason Garrett yelling for the #Cowboys to "over-communicate" & to "talk louder."
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
#CowboysCamp going through punt return practice.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Dez Bryant on the practice field in shorts & shells...
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Tony Romo with his son Rivers at #CowboysCamp.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jason Witten plays plays with his sons & Tony Romo's sons at #CowboysCamp.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Almost time for football... #Cowboys vs. Chargers at 9pm central.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Press box view in San Diego... #Cowboys vs. Chargers.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Dez catching a few before the #CowboysCamp vs Chargers game.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Plenty of #CowboysCamp fans in San Diego.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys take the field in San Deigo.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys take the field in San Deigo.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys take the field in San Deigo.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys take the field in San Deigo.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys take the field in San Deigo.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Romo before the Chargers game.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Not too far from #CowboysCamp a helicopter circles around a brush fire.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
15 days at #CowboysCamp and still smiling.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Michael Irvin on Dez Bryant: "Greatness is set by greatness before you."
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Michael Irvin & Dez Bryant.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Michael Irvin catching up with Dez Bryant, two great 88s.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Michael Irvin is coaching up A.J. Jenkins at #CowboysCamp
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Denzel Washington addressing the team #CowboysCamp
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Denzel Washington at today's #CowboysCamp
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox on family day at Cowboys Camp.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox on family day at Cowboys Camp.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys fullback Tyler Clutts with is son on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Rod Marinelli
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Cowboys backup QB Brandon Weeden with is son and wife on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys backup QB Brandon Weeden with is son and wife on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys fullback Tyler Clutts with is son on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys fullback Tyler Clutts with is son on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Jason Witten at Cowboys Camp on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Jason Witten at Cowboys Camp on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys backup QB Brandon Weeden with is son on family day.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
At #CowboysCamp on a beautiful Saturday late afternoon.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Tony Romo says Scott Linehan has 4 qualities you need to be a good OC & said he's "proven his work and then some."
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Tony Romo says signing with @UnderArmour was "a no brainer."
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The #Cowboys are on the practice field in Oxnard. Tony Romo is expected to speak to the media this morning.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jason Garrett: Dez Bryant has a "little hamstring" injury that isn't serious. But he won't practice today.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Good morning from #CowboysCamp.nI'm on @NBCSportsRadio now. download the app or listen on @SIRIUSXM 213/202
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
#Cowboys are back on the practice field in Oxnard. Tony Romo & Jason Witten are back. Lance Dunbar is not.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jason Garrett says anyone who knows Charles Haley knows to be excited about his @ProFootballHOF speech Saturday...
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys D-lineman Ken Boatright carted off the practice field with apparent neck injury. Left in ambulance.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The #Cowboys lightly go 11-on-11 during morning walkthrough...
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
There are a lot of things that I've enjoyed about working at #CowboysCamp but this takes the cake.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Great shot as the sun goes down in Oxnard.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Dallas Cowboys going through plays at #cowboyscamp as a DMN photographer captures the moment.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Coach Garrett presser after the presser with the print media at #CowboysCamp.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
The walker after the walker with coach Garrett at #CowboysCamp can't get enough of coach.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Garrett presser underway at #cowboyscamp.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Today's celebrity sighting is a throwback, that's Kid from Kid 'n' Play.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
The beauty of #CowboysCamp, the celebs come out. Old school rapper Kid from Kid N' Play was here today.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
#CowboysCamp The boys running the field for conditioning.
NBC Sports Radio
Another great show from @dallascowboys camp in #SoCal with @newyscruggs.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Veteran day off for Tony Romo and Jason Witten
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
No practice for 35-year old QB Tony Romo. Day off.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Romo & Witten off today. #Cowboys veteran off day.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
#Cowboys player left his helmet on the practice field. Made for a cool photo as the sun sets in Oxnard.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Cole Beasley says signing his new deal with the #Cowboys in the offseason was "exceptional."
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Life as a sports reporter in 2015... Always on the phone.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Great day for Darren Woodson. He will be inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor November 1st.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Darren Woodson on Ring of Honor, "It's and absolute honor because this is my family."
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jerry Jones is about to announce Darren Woodson is going into the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Fun conversation with La'll Collins at Cowboys Camp. He's a GrillMaster, uses Italian dressing to marinate his ribs.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain running 50-yard sprints. Looks near a return as well.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Dedicated Dallas Cowboys fans showing up at 7:30 am to get into today's afternoon practice.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Beautiful morning in Oxnard with the Cowboys back on the field.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Jerry Jones about to be live with Newy Scruggs on Big Game Sunday.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys Camp practice winding down for the day. Great practice!
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys Camp practice winding down for the day. Great practice!
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys going 11-on-11...
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Tony Romo is practicing.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
A couple of 94s working together... That's Charles Haley tutoring Cowboys rookie Randy Gregory.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Time to go get some breakfast in Santa Barbara. On the beach.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Hello California gas prices.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Reshod Fortenberry is carted off the field. Free agent tackle from Texas Tech.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
About to be live in Oxnard at Cowboys Camp on NBC 5 with Newy Scruggs.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Crowded house at Fan Fest the fans have been waiting for hours.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Waiting for Fan Fest 2015 to start at 3:00 pm local time.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Hall of Famer Charles Haley is here at Cowboys Camp.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys Camp practice underway on a gorgeous Saturday morning.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys Camp practice underway on a gorgeous Saturday morning.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
The Process.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
No Tony Romo at practice (eye) so Jason Garrett is filling in as another Cowboys Camp QB arm.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys Camp Jason Garrett daily press conference first presser for the weekend.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Cowboys are on the field in Oxnard.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
On DeMarco Murray, Larry Johnson in '06, & current Cowboys RB expectations: http://on.nbcdfw.com/YtDqWky
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Dez Bryant signs autographs for fans in Oxnard.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Reporters of all sizes here at Cowboys Camp. #ReporterVooDoo
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Dez Bryant said he's been house hunting since he signed contract.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Dez Bryant on his negotiations: "It was extremely hard... I'm glad we got it done & I'm excited to be back."
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Dez Bryant addressing the media.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Greg Hardy is still not practicing in individual drills after suffering an injury in a earlier D-line drill.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys Camp Practice.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Pat and Newy shooting Blue Star Blog for our website.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Pat and Newy shooting Blue Star Blog for our website.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Greg Hardy has been clutching his abdomen area and not participating in drills.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Greg Hardy has stopped practicing. He hurt himself on a D-line drill I was watching. #CowboysCamp
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Watching the Dallas Cowboys D-Line work at the 1st #CowboysCamp practice.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Sean Lee.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Cowboys 11-on-11 on a 72 degree day in California.
Newy Scruggs, NBC 5 Sports
Fans getting for the 1st #CowboysCamp practice on Oxnard.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
Joseph Randle.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
#CowboysCamp Practice
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
Jerry Jones moving gingerly with new hip.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
In the middle of the #CowboysCamp press conference.
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Cowboys Camp 2015
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Cowboys Camp 2015
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Cowboys Camp 2015
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Cowboys Camp 2015
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys land at Point Magu ahead of their 2015 training camp in Oxnard, California.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys land at Point Magu ahead of their 2015 training camp in Oxnard, California.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
First press conference of #CowboysCamp right after later they landed.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys sign autographs and meet military personnel at Point Magu, the naval base in Ventura County.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys sign autographs and meet military personnel at Point Magu, the naval base in Ventura County.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys sign autographs and meet military personnel at Point Magu, the naval base in Ventura County.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys sign autographs and meet military personnel at Point Magu, the naval base in Ventura County.
Pat Doney, NBC 5 Sports
The Dallas Cowboys sign autographs and meet military personnel at Point Magu, the naval base in Ventura County.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
Looks like all the prep work for #cowboyscamp is almost done at the Residence Inn and of course the bus is here.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
All preps are done at #CowboysCamp we did preps ourselves while some folks toured the facilities. We are good to go.
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
All preps are done at #CowboysCamp we did preps ourselves while some folks toured the facilities. We are good to go.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
#CowboysCamp added 2K bleacher seats and a beer garden.
Noah Bullard, NBC 5 Sports
#CowboysCamp added 2K bleacher seats and a beer garden
Victor Dominguez, NBC 5 Sports
All preps are done at #CowboysCamp we did preps ourselves while some folks toured the facilities. We are good to go.
No. 2 -- When the Cowboys arrive in Oceanside, they will not travel to San Diego. Instead, they will travel about five miles north to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where players and coaches are expected to spend two to three hours on-site with members of the military. The previous two seasons, the Cowboys had visited Naval Base Coronado. Camp Pendleton stretches over 125,000 acres along the coast in California, making it the Marine Corps’ biggest training facility on the west coast.
Jason Garrett said experiences like a trip to a military base are about putting excellence around the team. Running backs coach Gary Brown said he loves trips like this, but joked, “that is, as long as I don’t have to do anything too physical."
No. 3 -- When it is time to kick the ball off Thursday night in San Diego, do not expect the Cowboys starters to play much, or at all. Game one of the preseason is about giving young players a chance to show coaches what they can do in a game-like situation. Rookie defensive end Randy Gregory imagined what the moment will be like, saying he "definitely will have butterflies."
Veteran Jason Witten described the first preseason game of an NFL player’s career as "something you never forget." The Cowboys and Chargers kickoff Thursday night at 9 p.m. Central.
