Dolphins Dan Campbell’s relationship with the Cowboys

Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell has played for the Giants, Cowboys, Lions, and Saints. He was selected by the New York Giants in the third round (79th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. A year later, he became the Giants starting tight end, but was primarily used as a blocker. In fact, Campbell was even part of the Giants team that won Super Bowl XXXV. You know who else was part of that Super Bowl winning Giants team? You guessed it, current Dallas Cowboys head coach, Jason Garrett.

When Bill Parcells became head coach of the Cowboys in 2003, Dan Campbell was signed to be a team leader and mentor for younger players. While he didn’t play as often as he would’ve hoped, Campbell molded Jason Witten into an elite NFL tight end, and even played alongside current Cowboys starting quarterback, Tony Romo. With Sunday’s contest against the Cowboys only a few days away, the friendships Campbell made with his former teammates will have to be put on the back burner.

As one would expect, per the Miami Dolphins official site, the mutual respect has remained between Campbell and his former Cowboys teammates.

"“I really learned a lot from him and (we had a) great relationship,” said Witten, who joined the Cowboys as a third-round pick six weeks after Dallas signed Campbell as a free agent. “He taught me a lot about the game. More importantly, just how he approached the game. I had a lot of respect for him as a young player and still do to this day.”"

Current Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett also had some positive things to say about his old friend, Dan Campbell.

"Said Garrett: “He’s a really good buddy of mine. I was fortunate to be with him up there in New York. He’s just a hell of a guy. I think you guys are realizing that since he’s been down there as an assistant and now the head coach. We had a lot of good times together in New York.”"

Campbell also had some positive things to say about his two ex-teammates.

"About Witten, Campbell said: “I tried to teach him what I could teach him because I knew he could help us win,” Campbell said of Witten. “To be able to play the number of years that he’s played and play at a high level, especially coming from somebody like me that has played the position, it blows my mind. It’s amazing. It really is. I got the utmost respect for him. He plays the game the way it’s meant to be played. I wish him a little luck after this game.”"

"About Garrett, Campbell said: “He’s another guy I have a ton of respect for. I’ve always said, Jason Garrett is one of those people, he’s one of the best people you’ll ever meet in your life. It’s just the type of guy he is. He’s always in a good mood. He’s always good something good to say. He’s always got good stories. I’ve got a ton of respect for him. I was fortunate enough to be able to play with him.”"

Seeing respect between players, coaches, and ex-teammates is important in today’s ultra-competitive NFL. Campbell has a long history of hard work, dedication, intensity, respect, and love for the game. As a player and coach, Campbell’s passionate persona is his catalyst for success. So, when the Cowboys face off against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, be on the look out for some hugs during pregame; but when that first whistle blows, it’s all business. Feel free to share your thoughts by commenting below. Phins up!