The Return of Randy Gregory
According to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, defensive end Randy Gregory will make his season debut Monday night against the Detroit Lions following a 14-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Dallas is notorious for taking chances on players with issues on and off the field. Charles Haley, Michael Irvin, Dez Bryant, and just last year La'el Collins have all been well worth the risk. Now it’s Gregory's turn to prove his worth to "America's team”.
[Jones: Randy Gregory will 'absolutely' play in 2016]The defense is showing signs of promise with the emergence of second-year defensive tackle David Irving out of Iowa State. Although not a starter, Irving has proven to be a dominant force. After his strong showing in the Cowboys' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with two crucial sacks, Irving may have earned himself a starting job.
Fellow lineman DeMarcus Lawrence, who broke out in his own right last season, is also looking to return this week. Lawrence’s season has been reminiscent of a roller coaster as he was also suspended the first four games for substance abuse while nursing an injured back. Finally healthy, Lawrence is primed to make his presence felt starting Week 16.
With Gregory, the Cowboys will have a young and talented defensive line with tremendous potential, capable of being one of the league's best. But Gregory's track record speaks for the hindrances keeping him from the game he loves most.
Gregory has had a troubled relationship with marijuana, having multiple failed drug tests on his record thus far. That said, Gregory has had numerous outlets for help. Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back, coach, and current analyst Herman Edwards served as Gregory’s mentor following his draft selection. But it only resulted in another failed drug test, mandating yet another suspension.
Recently Gregory checked himself into a rehab facility. But how much does that tell us about the former second-round pick? We all know that the talent is there and his ceiling is high, but it is Gregory’s low level of character that speaks volumes.
Gregory is only 24 years of age and in a perfect situation in Dallas. Other than the New England Patriots, no franchise in the game has the experience of handling character issues amongst its players. We’ll see how Gregory and the Cowboys have handled this situation in full come Monday under the bright lights on the primetime stage.
The Dallas Cowboys are a franchise with rich history and five Super Bowl titles to show for it. A sixth championship could very well be in store given the Cowboys' stellar season with only two games remaining. Who knows, Gregory may just be the missing piece on defense that brings the Lombardi trophy back to Dallas.
