For Caleb Downs, the conversation about his leadership continues to grow, and recent comments have only reinforced the belief that the rookie defender is built to become the face of the defense.

Recently, George Teague, a former Dallas Cowboys safety, appeared on the DLLS Sports podcast and discussed Downs being the green dot of the defense.

"I don't know how much he's going to play in the preseason, what's going to go on," said Teague on the DLLS podcast. "So it took me a while to settle down. So I think you need to hold off on that green dot for a second."

The rookie has already received praise for his football IQ and communication skills, with many believing those traits could make him a leader of Dallas sooner or later.

Teague suggested that immediately assigning responsibility for being a green dot can be premature. Being a QB on defense, Teague considered himself very smart and high-level, but he was not as ready and prepared as he thought with the green dot.

It took four games for Teague to settle in and feel comfortable because everything felt very fast.

Teague suggested that maybe the green dot responsibility conversation should be put on hold for now, and let him be allowed to get comfortable with the Cowboys' defense system before taking on additional responsibilities.

Downs had a great college career at Alabama and Ohio State. He earned national recognition as one of the most complete defensive backs in college football.

However, the franchise has to decide who will be carrying the green dot.

The Cowboys Have to Decide Who Will Wear The Green Dot in 2026

The hype around Caleb Downs wearing the green dot is building, but there is no evidence. The head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, said that several players will be considered for the role, and the most comfortable player will be given the responsibility.

"At the end of the day, communication comes down to not just the green dot, but the entire defense," said Schottenheimer via Sports Illustrated. "If we were playing a game this week, I could not tell you who is going to be the green dot, but we're not playing a game for a while, so we've got time."

DeMarvion Overshown, Jalen Thompson, Dee Winters, anyone can be the green dot. Rather than rushing a decision, the Cowboys are focused on allowing players to compete for the role.

However, at the end, the green dot will likely be determined by performance, consistency, and leadership shown throughout the offseason program.

What are your views? Let me know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore