OXNARD, Calif. — Ryan Flournoy has entered Dallas Cowboys training camp with a noticeably different outlook than he had a year ago.
After spending his rookie season fighting for opportunities and learning the speed of the NFL, the second-year wide receiver says he’s more comfortable, more confident and ready to compete for a larger role in the Cowboys’ offense.
For Flournoy, though, football starts with faith.
Before every practice and every game, he takes time to pray, believing it keeps him focused in one of the most physically demanding sports in the world.
“I don’t even step on the field without praying,” Flournoy said. “This is a dangerous game. Without the Lord, I’m literally nothing. He keeps me grounded and centered.”
That perspective shapes how Flournoy views himself beyond football.
“I know I’m a son of the Kingdom who happens to play football,” he said. “I’m not just a football player.”
The mindset has helped him embrace a much different position entering his second NFL season.
Last training camp, Flournoy was trying to prove he belonged while buried deep on the wide receiver depth chart. This summer, he feels far more established and knows what’s expected of him every day.
“It’s a super different camp,” Flournoy said. “Last year I was wide receiver six or somewhere around there. Now I’m coming in as wide receiver three. I know what to expect. I know what I need to do, and I’m just out there having fun.”
That confidence has translated to the practice field, where Flournoy says he’s playing with greater freedom while continuing to build chemistry within the offense.
The support from Cowboys fans has also become impossible to ignore.
Following practices in Oxnard, Flournoy often hears fans calling his name as they line the fences hoping for an autograph.
“It’s honestly fantastic,” Flournoy said. “It’s a dream come true. I’d love to sign for everybody, but sometimes there just isn’t enough time. I hope they know how much I appreciate their support.”
While much of Dallas’ offense returns intact, Flournoy believes facing a revamped secondary every day has accelerated his development.
He said each defensive back presents a unique challenge, forcing him to sharpen different parts of his game during every practice.
“Every guy brings something different,” Flournoy said. “Whether it’s strength, technique or physicality, competing against them every day makes all of us better.”
Flournoy also credited veteran receiver George Pickens for making an immediate impact since joining the Cowboys.
He has spent time observing Pickens’ approach to the game, from studying film to taking care of his body, and has incorporated some of those habits into his own routine.
“I can’t give him enough credit,” Flournoy said. “I ask questions and watch how he approaches the game. He’s obsessed with getting better, and you can see it. I’ve taken some of the things he does and added them to my own routine.”
He added that Pickens’ commitment to recovery and preparation has stood out as much as anything.
“He treats his body like a temple,” Flournoy said. “The way he eats, the way he recovers, the way he prepares every day—it’s all part of being a professional.”
As training camp progresses, Flournoy is focused on making the most of every rep. With a stronger understanding of the offense, increased confidence and a faith-centered perspective, the second-year receiver believes he’s in position to continue earning a bigger role in Dallas’ passing attack.
