Former Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz gets rocked in scuffle during Texans camp

It is still impossible to comprehend why the Dallas Cowboys used their 2023 second-round pick on tight end Luke Schoonmaker. Not only was Schoonmaker regarded as a mid-round prospect, but the Cowboys already had an emerging stud at the position in Jake Ferguson.

Schoonmaker has a long way to go to warrant being drafted No. 58 overall and Ferguson's emergence as one of the best tight ends in the NFL makes the pick look even worse.

There was some concern when Dalton Schultz left in free agency last year whether Ferguson was ready to lead the TE room. Ferg quelled those concerns to the tune of 70 catches, 761 receiving yards and five touchdowns en route to making his first Pro Bowl. He ranked top 10 among tight ends in each category.

Schultz was once one of Dak Prescott's most reliable targets, but his popularity amongst Cowboys fans has waned after he referred to the organization as a "zoo" in one of his first interviews after he signed with the Texans.

In light of Schultz's criticism, Cowboys fans definitely won't hate to learn that he was on the losing end of a scuffle at Texans camp with teammate Derek Stingley Jr.

Former Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz at the center of scuffle at Texans training camp

While Stingley blindsided Schultz with the hit, it's pretty incredible that Stingley was able to knock the tight end to the ground. The former third overall pick weighs some 50 pounds less than Schultz.

The cause behind Stingley's rage is unknown, though one Texans who saw the sequence play out believes Schultz chirped safety Jimme Ward after an apparent late hit on Stefon Diggs. It seems Stingley took exception to what Schultz said to Ward and proceeded to deck him.

If Schultz was merely sticking up for his teammate, it's hard to find fault in the 28-year-old. Having said that, Cowboys fans would have loved to see more of this from Schultz during his five seasons with Dallas. While he could be counted on for production, he seldom showed competitive fire.

That is partly why the fan base has gravitated toward Ferguson. Though Ferguson is a highlight waiting to happen, his killer instinct sets him apart from Schultz and most tight ends around the league. He also takes pride in having a star on his helmet. He loves playing for the Cowboys and he would do anything to help the team win.

A lot of athletes say that, but not all of them mean it.

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