In the heart of the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason grind, a touching moment has stolen the spotlight, revealing the deep bonds that tie this team together. La’el Collins, the battle-tested offensive tackle fighting for a spot on the final roster, made a heartfelt vow to none other than Dak Prescott’s one-year-old daughter, MJ. The emotional promise, overheard before a recent workout, has sent ripples through the Cowboys’ fanbase, showcasing the veteran’s determination and the family-like unity within the team.
Collins, now in his third stint with Dallas, is no stranger to the Cowboys’ storied legacy. After going undrafted in 2015, he carved out a solid tenure with the team until 2021. A brief detour to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 followed, and though he returned to Dallas in 2023, he was relegated to the practice squad. A one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills last year ended without a roster spot, but Collins is back in familiar territory, surrounded by familiar faces, and driven by a renewed sense of purpose.
In a moment that melted hearts, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported Collins speaking softly to little MJ before a practice session. “I’m going to protect your daddy. Nobody’s going to get him,” he promised the toddler, his words brimming with conviction. When asked about the exchange, Collins didn’t hold back his emotions. “MJ ain’t got to worry. Her dad will be protected. That’s my baby niece. I got two nieces now. I’m just excited to be the favorite uncle,” he said with a grin. “And I’m thrilled to get a chance to be in front of Dak again, to keep people away from him.”
The 32-year-old lineman’s journey back to the field is anything but certain. Collins, who hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2022, faces stiff competition for a roster spot, going head-to-head with players like Terence Steele, Hakeem Adeniji, and Ajani Cornelius. During the Cowboys’ recent preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Collins saw limited action in the fourth quarter, while Prescott, still nursing a hamstring injury, watched from the sidelines. Every snap is a chance for Collins to prove he still belongs, and he’s taking it one step at a time—baby steps, as he might say.
For Collins, the Cowboys are more than a team; they’re family. His connection with Prescott, a quarterback he’s protected for years, runs deep, and his bond with MJ only adds to the stakes. “I’m just thankful for another shot,” Collins shared, his voice carrying the weight of a veteran who knows the odds but refuses to back down. “To play with a guy like Dak, to keep him safe—that’s what drives me.”