FRISCO, TX — The journey to arrive at this point has been a trying one for CeeDee Lamb. The First-Team All-Pro receiver was locked in a holdout throughout what became roughly the entire offseason, landing his new deal just before the Dallas Cowboys kicked off their final two practices of training camp at The Star in Frisco.
It’s a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid wideouts in NFL history and, equally as important, reunites him with his coaches, Dak Prescott and the rest of his locker room brethren.
"I can't really put it into words, but I'm grateful to be here." Lamb said after his first practice back. "This whole process was very crazy for me, as we all know. It was very bittersweet. I had plenty of time to revamp myself physically, and become more prepared for the season. Granted, I wished I would've had a camp, but it's OK.
"It'll work out in the back end. I'm very excited for the moment. I cherish every bit of it."
Having split his summer training between Texas and South Florida, Lamb put on nearly 15 pounds of lean muscle and is visibly bulkier than he was the last time he stepped foot in a Cowboys' facility — in January — his workout routines often posted to social media accompanied by what he referred to as "hints" regarding his unrelenting love for the game.
"I feel like I'm not missing a beat," said the reigning NFL receptions leader. "The two hours outside in the Florida weather was not pleasant, but I appreciate him for it because coming back indoors, I can breathe a bit more. I physically prepared for this moment. I'm ready to go to battle.
"I got some body armor on me. I got a little more body armor on me, so I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities."
With only 12 days remaining ahead of the regular season opener against the Browns in Cleveland, however, the question remains an obvious one:
Will he be ready on Sept. 8? And for a full workload with zero restrictions??
"Quite honestly, I don't think it's gonna be a step behind, at all — I'm ready," the three-time Pro Bowler said. "I've played this game my whole life. I gotta get bumped a little bit. Those are things, contact violence, but I trained for those.
"I feel like I'm more prepared than ever."
That's exactly what the Cowboys want to hear heading into one of the most pivotal seasons in the history of the franchise, and most certainly for several players and coaches who remain without a contract beyond the 2024 season. One such person is All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, but Lamb is pounding the table for that deal to get done next, and quickly.
It's a song Lamb hopes doesn't end, but rather goes on and on, my friends.
The two also worked out together on more than one occasion during the holdout.
"We got our reps in — for sure," Lamb explained. "The best thing about it is him having a field in his backyard. So anytime I was back home, it was time. … It's amazing.
"Go look at our numbers together. They're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt they're gonna get a deal done. We all know that I want him here. Jerry wants Dak here, too. So let's get this under control and kill the speculation."
The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and literally present in the Pro Football Hall of Fame by way of a pair of Lamb's gloves, so there should be no issues with the swiftness in which they reach prime form at the start of the season.
And as far as the playbook tweaks go, Lamb was never out of the loop.
Quite the opposite, actually, considering he sent endless texts to players and coaches alike; and logged a ton of hours watching practice film taken in Oxnard that was sent to him.
"It's just the verbiage," he said of McCarthy's offense in 2024. "They tweaked a couple things. I kept my iPad on me. If you go look at the hours, I'm pretty sure I'm one of the top [watchers]."
All told, it sounds as if Lamb is all set, even without Oxnard under his belt this time around.
"Yes, bro," he said. "No question."
Next stop: Cleveland.
