Former Oklahoma DT released by Dallas Cowboys after quad injury

Former Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy was waived by the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday after suffering a ruptured right quad

A dream short-lived.

Former Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy was waived by the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday after suffering a ruptured right quad while running a drill during the team’s first padded practice on Monday. Later that day, he was ruled out for the 2020 season.

His release was contingent on an injury waiver in his contract. The waiver knocked $2.5 million off McCoy’s salary in the event of a right quad tendon injury. McCoy inked the three-year deal in March, calling it, a “dream come true.”

“It just makes you sick on a personal level,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday. “I can’t tell you just what he has meant to our D-line in the short time we’ve all been together. He’s a big personality. Obviously an excellent football player. I thought he was in good spirits afterwards when I saw him and visited with him. He’ll tackle this injury recovery just like he has tackled everything else.”

Despite the release, McCoy remains committed to his role as a mentor for the Cowboys’ young defensive players, including fellow former Sooner DT Neville Gallimore.

“I will remain the mentor I am to the young guys and do my part to make sure that this team goes where it needs to,” McCoy said via text message to ESPN’s Ed Werder.  “Anybody who knows me knows I love a challenge. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!! I will be back better. LETS GET IT!!”

“He’s a warrior,” said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones. “He’ll get back. And in my opinion, he’ll end up playing for the Dallas Cowboys, albeit not this year. But I see him putting on a (Dallas) uniform on in the future.”

The Cowboys have released the video of the injury, which can be viewed below:

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