Michael Gallup: '1,000 Leaps Forward' from Last Year



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Michael Gallup: '1,000 Leaps Forward' from Last Year
Michael Gallup: '1,000 Leaps Forward' from Last Year © Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys have certainly made headlines with their acquisition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks. However, it's Michael Gallup's resurgence to full health that might prove equally vital for the team. Last year around this time, the 27-year-old Gallup was on the verge of missing four games due to the physically unable-to-perform list.

As we look forward to the 2023 season, he confidently claims to have taken "1,000 leaps forward" from that phase. Speaking to Pro Football Network, an elated Gallup shared, "I feel so good. Every time I step into this place, I can't help but smile, knowing the action's about to start." Rewinding back to 2021, a torn ACL had dramatically impacted Gallup's season, curtailing it prematurely and even affecting his performance as he began the 2022 season.

This resulted in a year with only 39 catches, 424 yards, and four touchdowns to his name. A stark decline was evident as he posted a career-low average of 10.9 yards per reception, deviating from his impressive 15-yard average in his initial four seasons with the Cowboys.

Michael Gallup Bolsters Cowboys Offense

However, the shadow of the daunting recovery phase seems to be behind Gallup. He is all set to reinforce a formidable trio of pass-catchers, with Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb accompanying him.

With their presence, Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' quarterback, will undoubtedly have a rich repertoire of experienced players to throw to. The team's depth doesn't end there, with budding talents like Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin and the rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker stepping up in the absence of Dalton Schultz.

Interestingly, aside from his on-field contributions, Gallup is embracing the role of guiding his less experienced teammates. As he embarks on his 6th NFL season, he emphasizes, "I feel like mentoring is a value I add. Whether I'm giving pointers on routes or learning from them, I want to ensure everyone performs their best, and I play my part." With Gallup gearing up, Mike McCarthy's offence seems poised for an impressive display, especially since this marks the coach's inaugural year directing plays since his tenure with Green Bay.

Regardless of how swiftly the Cowboys' offence finds its rhythm, one thing's clear: Michael Gallup is in peak form and ready to leave a mark.