Cowboys Rookie Rethinks Stance On Steelers Following NFL Draft

Incoming Dallas Cowboys rookie Tyler Booker grew up a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But once Booker’s name was called in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft, the 21-year-old knew it was time. Booker’s fandom couldn’t continue, even though the deep connection to the franchise dated back to his childhood, so the 12th overall pick officially relinquished his love for the six-time Super Bowl champions.

It’s a decision that likely didn’t come easily, but understanding the implications of the Dallas-Pittsburgh rivalry, Booker had no choice but to pull the plug for good.

“I grew up a Steelers fan,” Booker told “The Next Round” podcast. “So, knowing that rivalry dating back to before I was born and even before my parents were born. Like, you guys know me, I’m a football junkie. I love the game of football, so growing up watching the football life, all I seen was if you’re a Steelers fan, you’re supposed to hate the Cowboys. But I’m a Dallas Cowboy now, so I hate the Steelers.”

Booker logged 38 appearances across his three-year collegiate career at Alabama. The Connecticut native was a two-time All-SEC selection and First-team All-American this past season. Booker is projected to take over the reins left by retired guard Zack Martin, even though those are big shoes to fill.

With the Crimson Tide, Booker amassed leadership experience as a team captain.

Those within the organization took notice of Booker’s qualities, just from their meeting ahead of draft night.

“I mean, it was just authentic. It was real,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. “His confidence, the way he carries himself, what you guys are witnessing right now is what we shared with our entire day.”

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