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Brian Schottenheimer Explains Why Cowboys Are Shooting Free Throws

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated May 21, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Ever since Brian Schottenheimer was named the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, we have heard how he wants to have one of the best cultures in professional sports.

There are several ways to do that, but Schotty emphasizes competing every day—it doesn't matter what it is.

We know about the ping-pong table in the locker room, but there are also free-throw contests that take place throughout the building, too.

Why? It's all in the name of competing. Anywhere, anytime.

“We do some things in the team room, my office, I just lost to the QBs in my office actually,” Schottenheimer said. “Dak was my teammate, so I guess Dak lost too, but the central theme of the program is compete every day. We find different ways to do it, we did something for the Masters, had a putt off, but get these guys in different types of environments and ask them to do different things."

And just because these are professional athletes, doesn't mean they are good at all sports, and in fact, some are just downright bad.

It is here that Schottenheimer's character, demeanor, and what he brings to the table as a coach, friend, and mentor to this group take center stage.

"It's fun to watch these world class football players that absolutely suck at shooting free throws, I'm not going to say names, Osa," he added with a smile. "That really was not very good but it's fun to watch these guys compete and get outside their comfort level to try to one up each other.”

It has only been a couple of months, but every time we hear Schottenheimer talk, he says all the right things, and it is easy to see why the locker room has responded so well to him.

He is all about fun and creating a working environment that suits everyone.

Now, will that translate to wins on the field? Who knows.

But there is no doubt that Schottenheimer is getting little wins off it.

And that includes kicking the ass of players in free-throw contests.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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