IRVING, Texas - Henry Melton and Jeremy Mincey are three years apart in age, but these two newcomers to the Dallas Cowboys defense came to Valley Ranch this offseason with something to prove but for completely different reasons.
Melton, 27, a product of Grapevine High School, accepted a one-year, incentive-laden deal from the Cowboys after tearing his ACL last September with Chicago. If he can show that he can return to the top form he displayed in 2012 when he was a Pro Bowler for the first time, then he will be richly rewarded with a longer-term contract.
The former University of Texas running back and defensive tackle grew up in the Metroplex and unlike some pro athletes who prefer not to play close to home, when the opportunity to become a Cowboy this winter presented itself, he jumped at the chance to be around friends and family on a more regular basis.
"I like being at home. I still have a lot of family here and getting to see them every day pretty much is pretty cool," Melton said. "A lot of guys can't do that. It's cool to be back home and playing for a historic franchise."
Mincey, who split last season between Jacksonville and Denver, and is three years older than Melton at 30, also arrived in Big D with something to prove after being cut loose by the Jaguars last December.
He was released by the NFL's worst team last fall after being late to several team meetings, a move that was somewhat surprising, especially considering the Jags had inked him to a four-year extension in 2012.
But Mincey, who has also played for the Patriots and 49ers, has put his time in Jacksonville behind him and is now focused on his present and future with Dallas.
"Man, I love it. The atmosphere here is great. Great organization," Mincey said earlier this week during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). "The energy here in Dallas reminds me of the energy that was at the University of Florida. It's good to be right back around that type of atmosphere."
Since Melton grew up in the Metroplex, it's understandable that he grew up a Cowboy fan. However, what is a bit surprising is that Mincey, who grew up in Georgia, is also a longtime fan of America's Team.
So, given that he's been a Cowboy fan for so long, getting the chance to play in Dallas is something of a dream come true for the eight-year veteran.
"Oh yeah, I'm blessed and I'm fortunate to be in a great situation here in Dallas. I grew up a Cowboy. I was always a fan of the Cowboys and now I'm here playing with them. Proud to have the opportunity to represent a great organization," Mincey said.
When asked exactly what qualities he will bring to the Dallas defense, Mincey didn't hesitate to cite his belief, energy and effort in what was a short yet impactful response.
And as someone who has played in the 4-3 at different points in his career, he feels the current Dallas scheme under new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is one where he will be able to excel.
"This defense is a 4-3 defense. I played 4-3 at the University of Florida. I played 4-3 at Jacksonville and now am right back to the 4-3 here. I think in this type of defense I can bring the best of my abilities, my talents," Mincey said. "I can hit my niche playing in this scheme."
Speaking of Marinelli, this year will mark something of a reunion for him and Melton, who played under him in Chicago, a welcome sight for this ex-Longhorn.
"Yeah, Rod's a great guy. We have great chemistry together. He brings the best out of you as a football player and as a person. He wants to see you succeed. I have a lot of respect for him," Melton said.
Mincey of course doesn't have the prior relationship or experience of playing for Marinelli earlier in his career, but he and his new coordinator have already developed quite a strong bond, a relationship he looks forward to building further this season and beyond.
"It's an honor to play under Coach Marinelli. He's a great man, great coach. He knows how to get the best out of you," Mincey said. "He knows what you can bring to the table and he knows how to pull it all out of you."
And no matter the circumstances under which Mincey went from current to former Jaguar, there is little doubt that he realizes what a great opportunity he has in front of him with Jason Garrett's Cowboys.
"Yeah, I have a great opportunity and I will not take it for granted. I love what I do. I love my job and I love winning, most importantly," Mincey said. "I think those are the traits that the coaches love about me because even though being in Jacksonville and losing as many games as we lost, I still fought with every ounce of blood in my body, every tear, everything just to win the game."
