LONDON -- The story lines flying out of Allianz Park have been about Tony Romo's back, the shuffle in the linebacking corps, and even defensive end Jack Crawford's return to his hometown. One story that is being overlooked is the birthday of fullback Tyler Clutts.
Overlooking a fullback is hardly new in today's NFL, where the position is an endangered species. However, the significance of a Cowboys player suiting up on his birthday -- his 30th at that -- is just as uncommon as the fullback himself.
In Week 3, linebacker Justin Durant turned 29 on the day Dallas defeated the St. Louis Rams 34-31. In 2013, the Cowboys had two players who had birthdays on game days: Terrance Williams (9/8/13) and Joseph Randle (12/29/13). None of those guys played overseas in a game that, put mildly, is a franchise first.
"I'm excited, man," Clutts said. "Couldn't ask for a better birthday. Go in and have a good game, and hopefully come out with a win."
Since 2013, the Cowboys are 2-1 on players' birthdays. With the Cowboys facing a 1-8 Jaguars squad that gives up 123.4 yards per game and is ranked 24th in rushing defense, victory should come easy if Dallas sticks with the run.
"That's our goal every week is to be successful in the run game and efficient in the pass game," said Clutts, who is the lead blocker for the league's leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, who has 1,133 yards through nine games.
This won't be the first time Clutts has played on his birthday, at least, according to the Fresno State product.
"I did [play on my birthday] in college," the four-year pro explains.
"It was a good night. It was 2005 when I was with Fresno State and we beat Boise State. It was a big rival of ours, and we hadn't beat them in a while."
Clutts, who played linebacker for the Bulldogs, finished with a sack and a tackle for loss in Fresno State's 27-7 win over 20th-ranked Boise State.
However, the game was played on November 10th; technically, not Clutts' birthday.
So Sunday will be Clutts' first time to ever play on his birthday.
Win or lose, how will he celebrate with his loved ones?
"We'll wait," Clutts said. "My wife and kids stayed home. You know, we'll celebrate it next week during the bye week."
Improving to 7-3 and keeping pace with the first-place Philadelphia Eagles would be a great 30th birthday present.
