In the dog-eat-dog world of NFL trenches, respect isn’t given – it’s earned through blood, sweat and salty language. And Cowboys center Brock Hoffman has quickly become the snarling leader of Dallas’ revitalized offensive line, despite joining the team as an undrafted afterthought.
Hoffman’s meteoric rise from third-string scout teamer to first-string road grader has fueled both a punishing run game and a new offensive identity in Big D. Behind the scenes, coaches and teammates alike rave about the 25-year-old’s throwback toughness and ability to, quite literally, get under the skin of opponents.
Igniting a Cowboys Run Revival
Since Hoffman took over at center five games ago, the Cowboys have morphed into a ground-and-pound juggernaut. Running back Rico Dowdle has exploded for three straight 100-yard games operating behind Hoffman and Co., putting him on the brink of an unlikely 1,000-yard campaign.
The sudden surge isn’t lost on offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who credits Hoffman for galvanizing a gritty run game mindset:
“Brock is the alpha. His confidence in himself is extremely high… he’s been through the journey, been cut, been brought back. Now he’s not only starting but really pushing the run game forward with his attitude and physicality.”
– Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys offensive coordinator
On an offensive line still adjusting to life after perennial Pro Bowler Zack Martin’s season-ending injury, Hoffman has emerged as the salty, tone-setting leader America’s Team desperately needed.
Embodying an “Old-School” Mentality
Growing up the son of a college football coach, Hoffman was raised on the sport’s more rugged traditions. Toughness was a way of life, instilled by hard-nosed parents who once labeled a young Brock “soft” – a slight he vowed to never hear again.
Fast forward to 2024, and that physical and nasty style now defines Hoffman’s play in the NFL. He’s an instigator, unafraid to mix it up with defenders and more than happy to chirp in their ear all game long.
For Hoffman, hostile road environments like Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field are a welcome challenge:
“Honestly, I feel like I’ve always gotten up a little extra for those road games just because I like the hostile environments… It being in Philly, how can it not motivate you? You go into a hostile environment versus a rival, you gotta be up for those games.”
– Brock Hoffman, Cowboys center
Driving a New Dallas Identity
While Hoffman’s fiery leadership and mauling blocks have anchored a renaissance run game, his impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. As head coach Mike McCarthy notes, the undrafted center’s relentless motor is becoming downright contagious:
“Brock deserves a lot of credit for the mindset and play style that he’s really pushed along up front. His attitude and energy, what he brings to the workplace, has just been on point. He’s got a connective personality.”
– Mike McCarthy, Cowboys head coach
In a league increasingly built on speed and finesse, Hoffman is a 300-pound throwback to the days of bloody knuckles and grass stains. And while that uncompromising style may ruffle the occasional feather, it’s quickly endearing him to Cowboys teammates and coaches who see the young lineman as the snarling soul of a squad in transition.
With Dallas now adopting Hoffman’s lunch pail mentality in the trenches, a team left for dead just weeks ago suddenly has a puncher’s chance. And you can bet their rising star at center will keep right on swinging until the final bell.
