Cowboys Demand Muscle Gain Before Signing Clowney

Insider reveals unusual signing story for star defensive end

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to a Cowboys insider, star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney arrived underweight and eager to join the team, but the Cowboys staff held him back and demanded he gain a significant amount of muscle mass before they would allow him to hit the field.

Why it matters

This unusual signing story highlights the Cowboys' high standards and commitment to player development, as they prioritized Clowney's physical readiness over immediately putting him on the field, even for a star player.

The details

The Cowboys staff reportedly wanted Clowney to gain a significant amount of muscle mass before allowing him to join the team, despite his eagerness to get on the field. This suggests the team took a very deliberate and cautious approach to Clowney's conditioning and preparation.

  • Clowney arrived underweight and eager to join the Cowboys in 2026.

The players

Jadeveon Clowney

A star defensive end who was eager to join the Cowboys but had to gain significant muscle mass before being allowed to hit the field.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL team that held back Clowney and demanded he gain muscle mass before joining the team.

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The takeaway

The Cowboys' unusual approach to Clowney's signing highlights the team's commitment to player development and physical readiness, even for star players, as they prioritized Clowney's long-term success over immediate on-field impact.