FRISCO, Texas — Joey Porter Jr. was watching a movie when he got the call that changed his plans.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback was being traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Porter left the theater, headed home and began preparing for a new chapter.
“I was excited,” Porter said. “New chapter, new beginnings, and I’m ready.”
The transition from Pittsburgh to Dallas happened quickly. Porter said he spent the night talking with Cowboys players before catching an early-morning flight. He arrived in Dallas around 8 a.m. and acknowledged he had not slept.
Still, the lack of rest did little to dampen his enthusiasm about joining the Cowboys.
Porter said Dallas had always been a team he wanted to play for, in part because of his family’s longtime connection to the Cowboys. He said the team was among the options discussed during the trade process, but he was cautioned not to get his hopes up.
Once the conversations accelerated, Porter got his opportunity.
“Once the talks started really rolling and I got the call, it was up from there,” Porter said.
Porter could also have some familiarity with his potential first opponent in a Cowboys uniform. His most recent game action came against the Houston Texans, the Cowboys’ upcoming opponent.
Porter said that experience gives him confidence because he is familiar with Houston’s offensive scheme and personnel.
“I feel like I played well last time I played them,” he said.
Whether Porter plays Sunday remains a decision for the Cowboys’ coaching staff. He said he has been taking the process day by day while working to learn the defense and understand his responsibilities.
Porter said defensive coordinator Christian Parker has already spoken with him about getting the defense under control and the process of integrating him into the unit. Porter said his priority is keeping his eyes on the playbook and learning as quickly as possible.
The cornerback described himself as a player capable of handling whatever his coaches ask and said he wants to bring energy and confidence to the Cowboys’ defense.
He also identified creating more turnovers as an area he wants to improve.
“I feel like that’s the next step for me,” Porter said. “I just want my ball production to be up.”
Porter’s departure from Pittsburgh followed a difficult period involving his contract situation. He acknowledged feeling undervalued during the process but said he has moved past it.
“That’s old news now,” Porter said. “I’m on to new beginnings, new chapters. And like I said, I’m a Cowboy.”
Now Porter is focused on establishing himself in Dallas.
He said he would be open to making the Cowboys his long-term home if the opportunity develops.
“I want to finish my career here,” Porter said.
For now, Porter has a defense to learn, teammates to get to know and a new opportunity to make his mark in Dallas.
