‘Tough People Do’: Tyler Smith Embraces Dallas Cowboys’ Hard Stretch And Passes Lessons To Young Linemen

FRISCO, Texas — Offensive lineman Tyler Smith said Thursday that he embraces the challenge of a 3-5 season for the Dallas Cowboys, and that hard stretches are part of the journey.

Smith is in his fifth season and has three Pro Bowl selections, the most recent last season. Asked about pressure as the margin for error shrinks, Smith said it is a blessing just to be in the league.

“Absolutely. I feel like, and that’s any time. That’s even training and preparation and all that stuff. It’s a blessing just to be here. It’s a blessing to be in the NFL. Like, even though it’s hard, even though we’re not where we want to be, I do embrace the challenges of that every day,” Smith said. “Because ultimately, tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”

“Having these battle scars, winning hard games or losing hard games or whatever the case may be, it’s all part of the journey,” Smith continued. “It just depends on how you use it to add fuel to the fire.”

Tyler Smith Says Young Linemen Ask The Right Questions

The veteran role is new for Smith, who is 25. He said the young players in the offensive line room are hungry and take guidance the right way.

“Just passing it on. I have a lot of young guys in our… we have a lot of young guys in our room. They’re hungry. They’re always excited to learn. Always asking the right questions,” Smith said. “And so when I see my opportunity to kind of give that guidance or just give them that little think piece or whatever, it’s good, because they’re going to take it the right way and they understand it too. They’re great competitors.”

Smith Says The Colts Are Still A Great Team

Indianapolis is 2-6 and has traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers and guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks. Smith said the tape still shows a great team.

“I still think they’re a great team, bro. And I think that’s week in and week out. Like I said, NFL, you’re going to go against the best,” Smith said. “So I think we have to put together a great week of prep. We got to go out there like we’re going against the best team in the world week in and week out.”

The Indianapolis Colts have lost four straight, including a 42-7 loss at Jacksonville. Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium is set for noon CT Sunday on FOX.