OXNARD, Calif. – Last season, there was a face that made his presence known in the defensive backfield, as well as at this year’s training camp in Oxnard, safety Jeff Heath.
Heath is continuing to make a difference in the secondary. Last season, Heath had a career high amassing 71 combined tackles, 63 total, and five pass defends. His effort on the field stood out last season among his teammates, specifically in the week 15 game against the Oakland Raiders. Heath helped keep the Cowboys’ playoff hopes alive by forcing quarterback Derek Carr to fumble the ball inches from the goal line, resulting in a touchback with 31 seconds left in the game to give the Cowboys a 20 to 17 victory. Heath was on the opposite side of the field but quickly reacted on instinct to what was happening and raced across the goal line to knock the ball free when Carr extended his arm out for the end zone; A huge effort by Heath on a single play to turn the game around in the Cowboys’ favor. Those are the plays that go down in history and line the walls at the Star.
In the press conference after the game Garrett said he would always remember Heath “flying through the air” on that play. Heath displayed the Cowboys’ standard of excellence and heart in that moment and he has shown that same diligence throughout camp. Garrett remarked on his ability “ He is a guy who has earned his stripes at every turn. He has started to show up every day. He is the fastest guy down and is always around the ball. Every time he is out there he does something positive for this team.” Heath makes a difference in the defensive backfield and his instincts mirror that of teammate Sean Lee. Heath will be a weapon on the field in 2018 for the Dallas Cowboys.
