Quiet Leadership Driving 'Big Year' For Cowboys' Terence Steele, Promises Brian Schottenheimer

FRISCO - Two retirements set into motion a seismic shift on the Dallas Cowboys offensive line. Zack Martin hung up his cleats after an 11-year career with the team and Tyron Smith, who had a short stint with the New York Jets, returned to The Star one final time to ink a one-day deal with Dallas and end a historic career where it all started. 

Martin and Smith defined the Cowboys' offensive line for a decade. Now, the team is forced to move forward without either in the picture for the first time since 2010.  

Dallas has its reinforcements at the ready, having spent the last few years preparing for this moment. Tyler Smith has already developed into a respected force league-wide while Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe got their first taste of NFL action last season. 

Now a feisty rookie in Tyler Booker enters the arena, conducting his own hype train from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Frisco, Texas. There's plenty of excitement as these young guys come together. But head coach Brian Schottenheimer has his eyes on the fifth piece to this puzzle for a potential head-turning campaign. 

Terence Steele enters his sixth year with the Cowboys, one that could be his biggest yet. 

"Terence is one of the hardest workers that we have," Schottenheimer told the team website. "His work ethic, the way he trains, the way he approaches being a pro and his craft are amazing. He's not the most vocal guy, and that's not a bad thing.

"He's more of a leader by example. But he's also a voice of confidence, and a voice of experience for the young guys."

Steele's leadership style is no matter of inconvenience for the Cowboys who already have enough boisterous personalities in the locker room and on the line. Yet, according to Schottenheimer, it will be the veteran's ability to channel his communication skills that will not only uplift his game, but the others around him as well. 

"I think playing next to Tyler Booker, that confidence, and [Steele is] a great communicator, which allows him to make sure they're on the same page because he does a great job, and that's just invaluable," Schottenheimer said. "I think he's set up to have a great year."

As Cowboys fans acquaint themselves with the new faces on the offensive line, it can be easy to forget the mild mannered workmanlike Steele. But his contributions this season are just as crucial as the Cowboys try to climb out of the NFC cellar.