A New League
What a year it has been for J.J. Wilcox. Since last fall, he has gone from playing football at the Prettiest Little Stadium in America at Georgia Southern to playing for America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys.
“An unbelievable, great year would be an understatement,” said Wilcox. “I give credit to my family for the amazing support I have received. Plus, my coaches, my teammates and my community helped me get where I am.”
During his first three years as an Eagle, Wilcox was an offensive force powering his way through defenses as a running back and receiver. His senior year, he switched to defense to play safety. Wilcox didn’t think the position change would be his ticket to playing on Sundays. “No, not at all,” he said. “I thought I’d take the hard route which is undrafted free agency and make some plays and make a roster somewhere. My parents and I always talked about how blessed I am. I am very fortunate.”
When it comes to football, Wilcox always believed. He worked hard. He prayed hard. “As a kid, I always watched the draft growing up, and I always wanted that to happen to me. To hear Cowboys owner Jerry Jones call my name and tell me that he picked me — that was one of the best days of my life.”
Three games into the season, the third round draft pick found out he would be starting. On Sunday, Sept. 22, J.J. stood in the tunnel of Cowboys Stadium waiting for his name to be called over the PA system. This was his moment. “Going through my head I’m thinking ‘Oh, here I am. The big life on a big stage. What am I going to do? I’m finally here,’” said Wilcox. “All of the hard work, sweat and blood and those days where you didn’t want to get up and go to practice finally paid off, and I’m here. It was a relief that I finally made it.”
The Cowboys won that game 31-7, and Wilcox finished with three tackles and even had an interception, but it was negated by a penalty.
So, how is Wilcox handling the fame and success? He credits Georgia Southern for giving him a foundation for life and putting him in this position to achieve great things on and off the field.
“Georgia Southern is a great institution. The football program we have there is one of the best. It prepared me physically and mentally for the NFL. Coach Monken is a great coach. Practicing hard, playing hard and playing unrelentless football are some of the same Georgia Southern characteristics that we have in the system in Dallas.”
The transition of going from Cairo, Ga., his hometown with a population of 10,000 to Dallas with a population of 1.2 million has led to some logistical challenges. “In Cairo, I go just a few blocks, and I’m downtown,” said Wilcox. “Out here in Dallas, I have to go 15 minutes or more. Driving in the city and learning my way around have been my biggest adjustments off the field.”
With all the happiness that comes from playing in the NFL, this rookie has dealt with a heartbreaking loss. Just before the season began, Wilcox’s mother passed away. As Eagle Nation reached out to offer words of comfort and support, he was moved by a gesture from the Southern Pride Marching Band. After a practice, the band members stood together, arm in arm, and sang a stirring, a cappella rendition of the Georgia Southern alma mater. “I saw the video, and it was very touching,” said Wilcox. “It really made my day. It wasn’t an easy time, but that video made it a little better. I really appreciated that, and I’m glad I’m an Eagle. I’m so proud to be representing my University in the NFL.”
What a journey from the ‘Boro to Big D.
J.J. Wilcox has arrived. He’s a rookie earning his star with the Dallas Cowboys. – Casey Jones