Dallas Cowboys rookie Tyler Biadasz says Mike McCarthy’s focus has been safety first
Rookie fourth-round pick Tyler Biadasz became the first Dallas Cowboys player to speak to the media after passing COVID-19 testing and being allowed in the team facility.
Biadasz, who will be among the candidates battling to replace Travis Frederick at center when training camp begins in earnest, said he is healthy and ready to go following shoulder surgery that precipitated a drop in the draft.
He worked out alone in the off-season back home in Wisconsin and will have no limitations.
“I’m good to go and I’m really focusing on where I fit and what piece I am to the whole puzzle,” Biadasz said.
The puzzle for now doesn’t include the veterans who won’t be allowed into the facility until Saturday after they pass the testing. The rookies began their testing last week.
But the puzzle does include navigating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols and getting acclimated to a new approach to football training camp amid the pandemic.
First-year Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy’s message to the team has been safety first, Biadasz said.
“His message was clear that we’re definitely facing more than just football,” Biadasz said. “We’re facing COVID-19. He was very specific on how to be really responsible and stay safe in the environment. He told us to be accountable and be respectful to everyone on the team. So, we’re doing our part.”
What that looks like, according to Biadasz, is always wearing a mask. When players get off the field, the focus is on putting a mask back on and social distancing.
The players are wearing a monitor to help them with the social distancing. It shows a red light when they come within six feet of another person.
“We are taking it seriously,” Biadasz said. “We need to do this right for our team and the whole league.”
Biadasz said he is doing his part to follow the guidelines. After workouts, he goes to his room at the hotel and stays there.
There are no guarantees, but Biadasz feels safe and protected. He is hopeful the NFL can pull off a full season.
“I think time will tell,” Biadasz said. “At the same time, it’s more of how the world is going to react. It’s not just going to be us. It’s going to go how the environment is going to be in the cities. It’s going to be interesting to see how the season is going to go. You have to adapt. The NFL and the NFLPA have a good plan in place.”
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 4:23 PM.
