Leaving the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t just a career move for me – it was the moment that helped shape my identity both on and off the field. As I reflect on my NFL journey, I realize just how much I’ve accomplished after leaving Dallas, and how my time with the Cowboys laid the groundwork for that growth.
In May 2020, I joined the Cowboys with the understanding that I’d be playing as a backup quarterback to Dak Prescott. But as fate would have it, Dak’s injury early in the season thrust me into the spotlight. It was a challenging season, filled with highs and lows, but it was also a season that taught me resilience. I had to step up, lead the team in difficult circumstances, and learn to trust in my abilities. Finishing the season with over 2,000 passing yards and 14 touchdowns was an accomplishment in itself, but what really mattered was how the experience pushed me to evolve as a player.
My time in Dallas was the turning point. It wasn’t just about numbers or individual performance; it was about learning how to handle pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with conviction. The Cowboys season wasn’t easy, with injuries and disruptions, but it helped me refine my leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the mental aspect of the game. Those lessons became even more valuable as I moved on to the next chapters of my career.
In 2021, I signed with the Chicago Bears, a fresh start with new challenges. I came in knowing I had more to give. I started as the Bears’ quarterback but quickly found myself in a mentorship role when Justin Fields was named the starter. Instead of viewing it as a setback, I embraced the opportunity to guide a young player, drawing on my experience in Dallas to provide steady leadership. The Bears’ season didn’t go exactly as planned, but once again, I left the season having grown as a leader.
Then came my move to the New Orleans Saints in 2022, where I again had to step up when the team’s starting quarterback, Jameis Winston, was sidelined with injuries. This time, I was ready. Having learned from my time in Dallas and Chicago, I took the reins with confidence, finishing the season with nearly 3,000 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. I wasn’t just a player filling a gap – I was a leader, helping guide the Saints through a challenging season.
Now with the Carolina Panthers, my growth continues. In 2023, I was beaten out by Bryce Young, the first overall draft pick, but when the opportunity arose for me to start again in 2024, I seized it. My first game after being named the starting quarterback saw me lead the Panthers to a decisive victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. It was a personal triumph, a moment that validated all the hard work and growth since my time in Dallas.
Leaving the Cowboys wasn’t just a career move – it was the moment that set me on the path to become the quarterback and the man I am today. Every team I’ve played for since has added to my growth, but my time in Dallas gave me the foundation. It taught me resilience, patience, and leadership – lessons I carry with me to this day. I’ve accomplished a lot since leaving Dallas, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This journey has been about more than football; it’s been about growing into the best version of myself both on and off the field.
