Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert’s game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers is becoming one of the most talked-about plays of the season. And for good reason. While the catch itself was exciting, the context behind it makes it even more impressive. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer highlighted just how difficult the play was during Monday’s press conference, adding another layer to what fans may have missed.
“For (Tolbert) to come across and get there, I don’t think enough people understand how difficult that catch was that he made,” Schottenheimer explained. “Dak (Prescott) made a great throw, but literally, to be able to hold that ball extended away from his body with a really good safety, Elliott, coming in and hammering down his hands, for him to finish that catch is a big-time play in that situation.”
THE DALLAS COWBOYS!! Dak to Tolbert for 6️⃣!
📺: #DALvsPIT on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Jg7btATnJO— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2024
Tolbert’s journey to that moment has been far from easy. After a tough rookie season in 2022, he has worked tirelessly to earn a larger role. With star receiver Brandin Cooks on injured reserve, Tolbert stepped up as the team’s WR2, just as CeeDee Lamb predicted he’d need to do. And in crunch time, he delivered.
Schottenheimer praised Tolbert’s work ethic, noting how the young receiver has gone the extra mile in practice to sharpen his game. “All those things that he’s done, the consistency of the notes and the preparation, and the way he works, he’ll be one of the last guys out there in practice every day,” Schottenheimer said. “If we miss a throw to him, or he and Dak aren’t on the same page about something, he stays after. He’s always one of the last ones on the practice field. They’ve probably repped that throw 1,500 times.”
For Tolbert, the touchdown wasn’t just a key moment in the game—it was a reward for all the hard work he’s put in to overcome early struggles in his career. Schottenheimer added, “It shows the young players, ‘Hey, this is a guy that’s worked his way up through hard work and busting his ass to do all the things the way you’re supposed to do it.'”
In the end, Tolbert’s catch was more than just a game-winner. It was a testament to his growth, determination, and dedication. And it’s clear that the Cowboys are reaping the rewards of his effort.
