Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory was praised by his coaches this week, singled out as an example for younger players to follow thanks to the consistent approach he takes to his craft. Now he’s being spotlighted for how textbook-perfectly he executed that craft in one notable moment last Sunday.
Gregory has been awarded the NFL Way to Play Award for Week 6 for that second-quarter demolition job on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. The award is handed out based on recommendations from a panel that includes former players Merrill Hoge, Orlando Pace, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, and Michael Robinson. NFL Network’s Good Morning Football crew made the announcement on the show this week.
Randy Gregory is the Week 6 recipient of the NFL Way to Play Award for this sack. He demonstrated proper pass-rushing technique by keeping his head up and out while leading with his shoulder and he did not land on the QB with his body weight. pic.twitter.com/4z90BuluQE
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 22, 2021
As per the official explanation of the award, “With 10:14 remaining in the second quarter, Gregory demonstrated proper pass-rushing technique by keeping his head up and out while leading with his shoulder as he sacked Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. He made sure he did not land on the quarterback with his body weight as he made the tackle. His play led to a forced fumble that was recovered by Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston for a takeaway.”
The league often catches flak these days from old-school fans for having become “soft,” but Gregory’s game-changing and de-cleating tackle shows that an unabashedly violent hit can still be totally by-the-book.
It was the kind of tackle that belongs in a NFL time capsule to show future generations. And now it’s being held up around the league to today’s players as the right way to play.
Gregory will receive a personal letter from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, plus a $2,500 equipment donation through USA Football to be awarded to a local youth or high school football program of his choice.
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