Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer addresses the media before practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Brian Schottenheimer's secret weapon leads to epic Cowboys locker room battle

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 7:17 AM ET

We're nearly through with the Dallas Cowboys' first mandatory minicamp under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. These practices have generated as much positive praise as the voluntary OTAs, which suggest Schottenheimer's plan to build a great culture is off to a hot start.

Schottenheimer also wants his team to be focused on competition, which is why he put a ping pong table in the locker room. On Wednesday, it was revealed that this plan is working as well.

Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com shared a detailed account of an epic battle between linebacker Micah Parsons and rookie nose tackle Jay Toia. According to Walker, the rookie had Parsons on the ropes, forcing him to call a timeout and gather his thoughts.

Parsons then had an epic comeback, handing Toia the loss.

Micah Parsons vs. Jay Toia — with the entire locker room watching and cheering:

the rookie had a lead so large that 11 called timeout, to the chagrin of Dak and the entire locker room, but Parsons then walked the rookie down for the narrow win.

he and Trevon Diggs then… https://t.co/Hsx94Wmki8
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) June 11, 2025

Parsons also had a battle with Marist Liufau, but was clearly unhappy with the results. Walker is ready to see Parsons challenge the younger linebacker again soon.

As fun as this story is, it's also worth noting how many players were involved. DeMarvion Overshown, Dak Prescott, and Trevon Diggs were heavily invested in the Parsons/Toia showdown, which goes along with Schottenheimer's desire to build relationships.

The plan is coming together nicely for Coach Schotty.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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