Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: 3 reasons to be excited

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 23: Center Travis Frederick #72 of the Dallas Cowboys calls out the defense against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during a preseason game on August 23, 2015 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won 23-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 23: Center Travis Frederick #72 of the Dallas Cowboys calls out the defense against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during a preseason game on August 23, 2015 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won 23-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Usually, when a player is asked how they feel, they give canned responses like best shape of my career, or I’ve turned back the clock, or I feel 120 percent. Earlier in the week, center Travis Frederick was asked the question and gave a very cool, calm, and collected response.

Frederick is returning from Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease that weakens the muscles and attacks the peripheral nervous system, and was deemed a full go for the start of training camp. In David Moore’s piece on Sportsday.com, Frederick described it as feeling really normal and comfortable.

While that isn’t a headline grabbing quote, it packs a pretty powerful meaning for a Cowboys team that missed his athleticism and leadership. Frederick is returning to a sport he’s played his whole life and his version of normal was good enough to be one of the best, if not the best center in the NFL.

Joe Looney did a yeoman’s job replacing Frederick last year and anchored a line that still paved the way for Elliott to lead the league in rushing for the second time in three years. An obvious upgrade to Looney, Frederick should give all fans, and especially the players and leadership within the Cowboys organization, reason to excited about this season.