(Photo: New York Post)
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most popular teams, not just in the NFL, but throughout sports. They have an enormous fanbase and many great players have worn the helmet with the legendary star. A number that has been very famous within the organization has been the number 88 and it’s been worn by some big names. Drew Pearson, Michael Irvin, and Dez Bryant have all worn this number during their playing days with the Cowboys. Drew and Michael are both Hall of Famers, and Dez was one of the best wide receivers of his day. Now, CeeDee Lamb is a member of the 88 Club. For the last month or so, would the star receiver and the Cowboys agree on a contract extension? He was holding out from camp until he got a new deal. The Cowboys have officially extended CeeDee with a four-year extension worth $136 million which also includes a $38 million signing bonus. This makes him the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
I remember CeeDee during his college days with the Oklahoma Sooners. For three consecutive seasons, he caught passes from Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. Two of those Quarterbacks I mentioned were both Heisman winners and the number one overall pick of their draft classes. Jalen has also panned out nicely in the NFL. CeeDee was one of the best Wide Receivers in the nation during his collegiate days and he’s become one of the best receivers in the NFL today. The Cowboys hit the lotto with selecting him in 2020 and trading Amari Cooper doesn’t look bad now because CeeDee can do a little more than Amari and he made him expendable. What I’ve respected about him is his dog-like mentality. If you lob the football up in his direction, CeeDee is going to climb the ladder to get the ball which shows me he doesn’t wait for the ball to come to him, he goes up and gets it. People don’t realize how quick he is until they watch him play. CeeDee is so explosive with the ability to twitch and burst which allows him to turn a small play into a large chunk play. I’ve always enjoyed the physical nature he brings to the position as he can take a jam at the Line of Scrimmage and even with the football in his hands, he has no issues with running through defenders. CeeDee is also a tough guy to bring down because he finds ways to keep plays alive and remain on his feet. Next, I want to discuss his route running and how smooth he is off the snap of the ball. I’ve also enjoyed watching how Dallas uses him. Think about it, you don’t see many number-one receiving options lining up in the slot, but wherever they put him, he makes a play. This guy knows he will get double or triple-teamed, yet he still makes those catches. You could have the best possible coverage on him and CeeDee will still find a way to adjust and make the catch. To me, that’s what makes him so special.
His last few seasons have been stellar, but last season made people notice him more. He led the league last year with 135 receptions and had 1,749 receiving yards which are both Cowboys franchise records. I often talk about that big-time touchdown he scored against the Lions last season, but another play stands out in 2023. This took place against the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Eve. CeeDee was in the slot and he ran a simple drag route over the middle. Dak Prescott got him the ball and 88 did the rest which resulted in a touchdown. CeeDee is the mix of a possession receiver and a game-changer. Now, he can focus on the upcoming season.
