Tyler Guyton, the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick and starting left tackle, is approaching the 2025 season with determination to deliver his much-anticipated Tyler Guyton Dallas Cowboys Year 2 breakout. After a challenging rookie year, Guyton has committed to transforming his body and skills during the offseason, impressing coaches and teammates alike at the team’s facility in Frisco, Texas.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer was quick to highlight Guyton’s exceptional offseason work during the team’s second organized activities session, praising his dedication, progress, and impact during rigorous training. This renewed focus follows a rookie year that showed promise but was hindered by inconsistencies and penalties, an issue Guyton is eager to correct.
Addressing Early Challenges and Adjusting to the Left Tackle Role
Selected 29th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Guyton faced a steep adjustment in his first season on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Playing in 15 games and starting 11, his performance reflected a learning curve common for rookies, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 73rd among tackles and giving him an offensive grade of 49.4.
Several factors contributed to his rocky start, including a position change from right tackle—where he played in college at Oklahoma—to left tackle in Dallas, as well as minor injuries and challenges in mastering the demands of his role. His 14 accepted penalties last season were tied for the second-highest in the NFL, underscoring his need for refinement.
Despite these hurdles, Guyton expressed his resolve to build from last year’s experiences.
“I think that I figured out a lot about what I need to do to take care of my body to be able to play at a high level,”
he said.
“Also, just following the guys that have come before me and understanding that their routine is very important. I feel like I learned a lot.”
On his past mistakes, Guyton added,
“Of course, it’s going to be ebbs and flows, but I understand that it already happened. I’m going to move forward from it and learn from my mistakes.”
Offseason Commitment: Training, Nutrition, and Discipline
Guyton’s strong work ethic during the 2025 offseason is evident as he was among the first players back at The Star, the Cowboys’ training complex in Frisco. His early return reflects a sense of urgency to improve not only for personal success but also to contribute to the team’s goals.
Coach Schottenheimer remarked on Guyton’s transformation, saying,
“Tyler’s having a great off-season… some of the new things that [offensive coordinator] Klayton Adams and [offensive line coach] Conor Riley have brought from a fundamental standpoint really fit him. He has not missed a day [this offseason]. He was one of the first guys back in the building. … He understands how important this year is for him—not just for him, but for our football team. He looks great, and he’s playing at a high level right now, going up against some good speed rushers.”
Guyton himself acknowledged his need to improve, taking ownership of his development.
“I’m not going to make any excuses. I just didn’t play as good as I needed to last year,”
he said.
“I’m coming with a different attitude this year to become a better player. … I just feel like I had a lot to prove, and I needed to work on things. Getting in here earlier was the way I was going to do it.”
Beyond the practice field, Guyton radically changed his diet. He eliminated fast food and fried items, instead focusing on vegetables and protein sources like salmon and steak. This nutritional overhaul has led to noticeable improvements in his energy levels, joint mobility, and overall performance.
Reflecting on the diet shift, Guyton said,
“It’s definitely changed a lot actually. I feel better, it’s easy when you feel better. I feel like my body is more pure right now, and I can move more freely. My joints feel better, so it’s a great transition.”
Impact of Peer Support and Group Training Efforts
Guyton’s visible physical progress has caught the attention of veteran teammates such as Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith. Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, has led regular group training sessions for the Cowboys’ offensive line up to five times per week during the offseason, an initiative designed to build camaraderie and sharpen skills among young linemen.
“Guyton, it was a little bit tumultuous that first year, but we’ve been training together all spring,”
Smith observed.
“He’s changed up his diet. He’s leaner, he’s meaner, so I can’t really ask for more right now.”
Smith explained the benefits of these sessions, saying,
“I think that was just huge for that camaraderie and that chemistry early on. We started right after the season [ended], so it’s been awhile. … I think it’s something we all have a collective effort in doing. We got the group chat, and we’re very open about where we train because at the end of the day, we just want the guys to get good work. We need to get that good work together because ultimately we’re going to play together. … Letting people know like ‘hey, I’m going to be over here, like you come over here? We have space over here.’”
Extending Training Beyond the Facility: Stretching and Recovery at Home
In addition to on-field sessions, Guyton dedicates time at home to enhance flexibility and recovery. After film study, he spends about an hour stretching in a space he has prepared in his garage, sometimes describing the room humorously as being “hot as hell” during these intense routines that resemble hot yoga.
Guyton’s goals for his body remain ambitious.
“I want to get bigger. I want to get stronger. I want to get more flexible,”
he said.
“I want to upgrade my body in any way that I can. This isn’t the finished product.”
Drawing Inspiration from Former Cowboys Legend Tyron Smith
One of Guyton’s key motivational drivers is the legacy of Tyron Smith, the eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle who recently retired from the Cowboys. Watching Smith’s retirement press conference deeply inspired Guyton, underscoring the standard of excellence he hopes to emulate.
“It’s amazing. I feel like I almost got emotional watching Tyron Smith because that’s the guy I look up to,”
Guyton shared.
“I want to follow in his footsteps for being a great Dallas Cowboys left tackle. Hearing his legacy stretch across a decade is just extremely a blessing, and I want to fit that mold. I learned a lot from him actually. I watch a lot of his tape, and I listen to the things he says in his pressers, how he carries himself, how he takes care of his body. … His strength is a big part of his game, so getting strong is going to help you do anything on the football field.”
Looking Ahead: The Potential for Guyton’s Breakout Season
With enhanced commitment to nutrition, physical conditioning, and mental preparation, Tyler Guyton is positioned to make a substantial leap in his second professional year. Coaches and teammates recognize his growth, and the Dallas Cowboys are counting on this progress to strengthen their offensive line.
Guyton’s transformation exemplifies the intense work ethic and dedication necessary for NFL players striving to overcome a difficult rookie campaign. His focus on fundamental improvement, support from veteran leaders, and inspired ambition indicate that he is prepared to meet the challenges of the 2025 season head-on, potentially delivering a pivotal Tyler Guyton Dallas Cowboys Year 2 breakout that could shape the future of the team’s frontline.