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Ex Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer Scores Unexpected Prize

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 7:53 PM ET

FRISCO — Mike Zimmer's second stint with the Dallas Cowboys lasted one brutal season. Zimmer's schematic fit was a tough one from the start with the Cowboys but never really had the chance to blossom.

Dallas' injury woes plagued the team on both sides of the ball last season but especially on the defensive side where they never had their full assortment of key contributors.

Nonetheless, both sides have moved on for the better. Zimmer himself may be on the way out from the game entirely with retirement on the horizon. However, the long-time NFL coach has other ventures lined up and is already enjoying those successes.

Zimmer has gotten entrenched in the horse racing game and has owned Zimmer Ridge Ranch since 2013. Over Father's Day weekend, one of his horses scored a big win in a race at the famous Churchill Downs.

Not This Boy wins easily with @b_hernandezjr aboard for William Cowans! pic.twitter.com/rjJqAprFg8
— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 14, 2025

His horse, Not This Boy, cruised to a dominant victory, winning by nearly seven lengths. The triumph came with a cash prize of $134,000. The vast majority of that figure traditionally goes to the owner.

It's a landmark moment for Zimmer in his second hobby, one coincidentally brought about by former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells whom he worked with in Dallas from 2003 to 2006.

Zimmer coached consistently in the NFL from 1994 through 2021. His first stint in Dallas lasted from that '94 season through 2006. From there he had two separate roles as a defensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals before becoming the Minnesota Vikings head coach in 2014.

While Zimmer may have not gotten the conclusion to his NFL career that he wanted, he can find comfort in finding this exciting hobby to focus his efforts on in this next stage of his life.

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

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