CeeDee Lamb, the undisputed WR1 and face of the Dallas Cowboys’ receiving corps, met with the media this week during the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs), offering a thoughtful glimpse into his mindset as he enters a new chapter in his career. For the first time, Lamb is stepping fully into the role of seasoned leader in the wide receiver room, and he appears more energized than ever.
“I’m just excited to be here,” Lamb said, flashing a confident smile. “It feels different. The energy is real, and the guys are locked in. We’re building something.”
One of the biggest reasons for Lamb’s enthusiasm is the arrival of George Pickens, the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout who was acquired in a high-profile offseason move. The pairing of Lamb and Pickens instantly gives Dallas one of the most explosive receiving duos in the league. Pickens, known for his jaw-dropping catches and raw athleticism, brings a swagger that meshes well with Lamb’s polish and poise.
“George is a dog, man,” Lamb said. “He brings that edge, that hunger. You see it in the way he practices, in the way he talks. He’s fearless. That’s contagious. I love that about him.”
The bond between the two receivers is already taking shape. Lamb mentioned that they’ve been spending time together off the field as well, reviewing film, running routes, and getting in sync. He sees Pickens as a dynamic weapon who can change games and take pressure off everyone else on the offense.
“We complement each other,” Lamb explained. “His skill set opens up the field for me, and vice versa. Defenses are going to have to pick their poison.”
But Lamb’s voice isn’t just one of praise for new teammates. He also opened up about the broader culture shift within the organization. As OTAs unfold and the 2025 season looms, Lamb senses something brewing—a deeper level of buy-in, camaraderie, and shared purpose among the players and staff.
“Culture matters,” Lamb said. “You can have all the talent in the world, but if you’re not aligned as a team, it won’t work. What I see now is guys caring about each other, holding each other accountable, pushing each other. It’s not about individuals. It’s about the star on the helmet.”
This renewed focus comes at a pivotal moment for the Cowboys, who have fallen short of their Super Bowl aspirations in recent years despite fielding talented rosters. Lamb, who racked up over 1,400 receiving yards last season and earned All-Pro honors, is entering his prime, and he knows the time to win is now.
“We don’t want to waste opportunities,” Lamb said. “Every rep matters. Every meeting. Every practice. We’re not taking anything for granted.”
Part of that urgency comes from Lamb’s personal growth. No longer the promising young prospect learning the ropes, he’s now the veteran others look up to. With the departure of long-time contributors and the influx of young talent, Lamb’s leadership carries more weight than ever.
“I remember when I was the young guy looking up to vets, trying to figure it all out,” Lamb said. “Now I’m that guy. It’s crazy how fast it happens. But I embrace it. I want to set the tone.”
Setting the tone means more than just making big plays on Sundays. It means being the first in the building, showing up with the right attitude, mentoring younger players, and leading by example.
“It’s about consistency,” Lamb said. “These rookies and second-year guys are watching. If I’m slacking, they see that. If I’m dialed in, they feed off that. So I try to be intentional in everything I do.”
Intentionality has become a mantra for Lamb. Whether he’s studying film, running drills, or speaking to the media, his focus is clear. He wants to win. And he wants to bring others along with him.
“We have the pieces,” Lamb said. “We have the coaching. We have the support. Now it’s on us. No excuses.”
One of the recurring themes during Lamb’s media availability was the concept of legacy. He spoke not only about his own aspirations but about helping shape the identity of the Cowboys moving forward. As a player who grew up watching legends wear the star, Lamb is acutely aware of the weight of the jersey.
“This organization means something,” Lamb said. “There’s history here. Greatness. I want to be part of that. I want us all to be part of that. But it doesn’t happen overnight. You have to earn it. Every day.”
That kind of talk doesn’t go unnoticed by teammates or coaches. Reports from OTAs suggest that Lamb has taken on a more vocal role in team meetings and on the practice field, pulling younger players aside, offering tips, and encouraging the group when energy dips.
Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Lamb’s approach, calling him “a true professional who’s grown into a complete leader.”
“CeeDee sets the standard,” McCarthy said. “He shows up ready to work, he holds himself accountable, and he brings others with him. That’s what you want from your top guys.”
While Lamb was careful not to make any bold predictions, he made it clear that the team’s goals are sky-high. The sting of past playoff exits still lingers, and there’s a collective sense that it’s time to break through.
“We know what the expectations are,” Lamb said. “We hear the noise. But we’re focused on what we can control. Our preparation. Our mindset. Our chemistry. Everything else will take care of itself.”
That chemistry will be tested throughout the offseason as the team continues to install new wrinkles on offense and integrate new faces, including Pickens. But Lamb sees the work being done now as the foundation for something special.
“These OTAs aren’t just workouts,” Lamb said. “They’re opportunities. To grow. To connect. To build trust. When the season starts, you want to know that the guy next to you has your back. That starts now.”
As Lamb fielded the final questions from reporters, he was asked what message he hopes to send to Cowboys fans this year. Without hesitation, he offered a simple yet powerful response.
“That we’re coming,” Lamb said. “That we’re locked in. That we’re ready.”
With George Pickens by his side, a renewed sense of purpose in the locker room, and a growing legacy to uphold, CeeDee Lamb is no longer just a star receiver. He’s the heartbeat of a team on a mission. And if his words are any indication, the Cowboys may finally be poised to take the leap from potential to payoff.
Time will tell if the results match the rhetoric, but one thing is certain: CeeDee Lamb is all in.
