The Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp started on May 1 through May 3, featuring 6 participants on a tryout basis. However, one of these tryout participants had a familiar surname who helped the team land their Super Bowl XXX in 1995. 

Zach Switzer, grandson of former Cowboys' head coach Barry Switzer, had a recent tryout at the rookie minicamp at the Star in Frisco.

“I’m super honored and super grateful and super blessed to have the opportunity to do something like this and achieve one of my dreams,” Switzer said during the 2026 rookie minicamp. “Until that happens, I’ll just keep telling them I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

He started his career at Memphis University and finished at Presbyterian College, where he totaled more than 1,100 all-purpose yards during his last season.

During his three-year collegiate career with the Presbytarian Blue Hose, Switzer recorded 1,330 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns.

Zach Switzer had an opportunity to live one of his dreams of setting foot on the Cowboys field and the locker room. His grandfather, Barry Switzer, made sure to get him a tryout spot through his connections.

"He did not have to do that," Switzer said. "But I'm super grateful, super honored, and super blessed to have the opportunity to do something like this and achieve one of my dreams." 

Being one of the five players who were invited for the tryouts in the rookie mincamp, Switzer knows that such an invitation for tryout does not guarantee a place in the 90-man roster. 

Zach Switzer Eyes Roster Spot Through His Performance

Zach Switzer is well aware that his success is based solely on his performance in tryouts rather than the legacy he carries.

“I’m very confident in who I am and my ability on the field,” Switzer said. “But I’ll leave that up to the coaches to make decisions on my ability to play."

Switzer is also a versatile receiver, recording 31 receptions for 316 receiving yards, averaging 10.2 yards per reception and four touchdowns in the 2025 season.

During the minicamp, he participated alongside undrafted free agent Dominic Richardson, under Cowboys' running back coach Derrick Foster.

Switzer is making sure to leave a lasting impression and do his best to get a call back, considering the competition for 90-man roster spots on the team, along with undrafted free agents.

Though he has no additional rookie minicamp opportunity after this, he remains confident in his ability and hopeful of earning a chance with the Cowboys.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rishab Nandi