Cowboys escape major fire scare in training camp as firefighters save the day: Report
The Dallas Cowboys have had a very turbulent build-up to the 2024 season. The likes of Tony Pollard leaving for other teams; Dak Prescott and other big stars seeking monstrous contract extensions; and even safety Malik Hooker criticizing Micah Parsons' podcasting.
Now add a suspected fire during their training camp in the Los Angeles suburb of Oxnard. At around 5 PM PT on Tuesday, firefighters were called in to respond to smoke that emerged from a condo near where the Cowboys were practicing. The smoke stopped being visible 18 minutes later, yet alarms continued to sound.
Head coach Mike McCarthy clarified that all his players and assistants were unharmed in the incident:
A spokesperson later confirmed to Ian Rapoport that the smoke was confined to a single empty room. He also praised the Oxnard fire and police department's handling of the incident:
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones teases more major DL acquisitions during nearly-canceled Tuesday practice in Oxnard
Other than the smoke that almost canceled their practice, it was business as usual for the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, as they continued preparing for their preseason finale at the Los Angeles Chargers. Owner Jerry Jones was in attendance, and the biggest topic of his media availability was wideout CeeDee Lamb’s extension, which he said he was “optimistic” about getting done.
But that was not the only major topic at hand. He was also asked about the team’s newest moves at the defensive line, namely trading for tackle Jordan Phillips and signing end Carl Lawson, who is expected to provide emergency positional depth after a season-ending ACL injury to Sam Williams. He responded:
"I've liked the new faces we've brought in on the defensive line. We're probably not through there in terms of [adding] a [new] face."
Meanwhile, multiple-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler and captain DeMarcus Lawrence said of his new teammates:
"I expect them to come to work each and every day, just like I expect that from the young guys and myself. Just bringing their knowledge of the game to us — little things that we can get better at that they see, but we're also gonna help coach them up to make sure they're getting better each and every day."
One of said young guys is second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland, whom Lawrence praised in the same interview, calling him “a hell of a draft pick”.