Rashan Gary's Cowboys mindset says everything about his next chapter

The Landry Hat · Jul 22, 2026 15:22 · 3 min read

Rashan Gary's Cowboys mindset says everything about his next chapter — Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

New Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Rashan Gary revealed what's motivating him, and that should have a positive impact on the team.

The Dallas Cowboys made it a priority to add more juice to the defense this offseason. And one move they made came in March, when they traded a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for pass rusher Rashan Gary.

It was a move they believe will bolster their pass rush and run defense, but Gary will have to prove it to the new fanbase. Although he was a first-round pick, he didn't quite live up to expectations with the Packers. As such, Gary wants to take things to another level in Dallas.

When speaking to Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News, Gary revealed what he wants to do with the Cowboys and what's motivating him.

"I’m trying to be great. That’s my thing. I’m not just here to say I played in the NFL. I want to be a dominant factor. When I hang up my cleats, I want people to say, 'Man, Rashan Gary was blah, blah, blah,' whatever the case may be. It’s my legacy. It’s what I’m going to leave my kids. It’s bigger than me now.”

This is the kind of mindset fans want to see with their new edge rusher, and it shows he's looking to bring his best foot forward.

Rashan Gary's latest comments reveal what's driving his Cowboys fresh start

Over seven seasons with the Packers, Gary accumulated 271 tackles, 46.5 sacks, 111 quarterback hits, and 46 tackles for loss. He certainly made plays for them, but there were also times when he was a non-factor. Take last season for example.

Despite finishing with 7.5 sacks, he didn't record a single sack after Week 13, which was even worse since Micah Parsons went down with a torn ACL. The Packers needed Gary to reach another gear, and he did the opposite.

This isn't what anyone wants to see in Dallas, and Gary knows that. He's made it clear himself that he wants to be a dominant player. His legacy is what's giving him some extra motivation, and that's what you'd want to see if you're the Cowboys.

Your newly acquired pass rusher is digging deep and finding things to drive him. That extra inspiration could go a long way on the football field. Gary has always flashed and had moments in the NFL, but then he could have stretches where he was quiet. That isn't the route he wants to take in Dallas. It's huge that he's aware that he has to be more consistent.

The 2024 Pro Bowler is looking to get better. Plain and simple. If he can hit another gear for this team, it will have such a positive impact on this defense. And it will also help Gary take a step towards achieving what he's set out to do.

With training camp right around the corner, it'll be interesting to see how Gary sets the tone during practice. His comments are great to read, but it all comes down to what he does when the pads come on.