How Tyron Smith has been helping the Cowboys’ offensive line this offseason
Retirement from the NFL can be a scary thing for a lot of players — especially for legends of the game that play for 14 seasons like former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
After retiring in 2025, Smith didn’t have an immediate idea of what he wanted to do other than spend more time with his family at home.
“I’m still taking it easy right now,” Smith told the Star-Telegram a couple of months into his retirement. “I’m making sure things are settled at home, get the kids used to me being home then figure out my next step and next adventure I want to do.”
One year later, it looks like Smith may have found his new calling.
As the offseason has progressed for the Cowboys at their facility in Frisco, Smith has been popping in to help out with offensive line development both on and off the grass. For young players like Tyler Guyton, it’s been invaluable.
“The gold jacket can show up when he wants,” Guyton said. “It’s whatever day he wants. He gives us stuff to work on. He’s a big help for us on the offensive line. His presence in our room and on the field with us is incredible. There’s not much that you can’t learn from a guy like Tyron Smith. He knows everything about football, especially the left tackle position.”
It’s been a welcomed addition to the offensive line room for head coach Brian Schottenheimer, especially as Guyton competes at left tackle with Nate Thomas. To move forward with that experience helping guide certain players, it was a no-brainer to give him the all-access pass to the facility.
“I love it,” Schottenheimer said. “I remember when Tyron announced his retirement, talking to Tyler Guyton and him telling me that that was his idol. Guyton idolizes Tyron. He was an incredible player. The thing about Tyron is his understanding of fundamentals and techniques and what it takes to play offensive tackle at a high level.”
For Guyton specifically at left tackle, the similar body type that he possesses as Smith allows the guidance to translate easier.
“His posture is something I really am trying to take from him,” Guyton said. “Because he tells me that my posture is where my money is at. Your posture on contact is everything.”
Smith doesn’t hold an official title on the coaching staff just yet, and he might not get one. But if Smith wants to continue to come around, he will always have an open invite.
“When you’ve got some young players like Tyler Guyton, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton, why wouldn’t you want a guy who’s still in the area and still love the Cowboys to come and be around? It’s a win-win for us,” Schottenheimer said. “Any chance Tyron gets to be here, we want him around.”
