FRISCO, Texas – Third down in the NFL is as important as is gets.
Coaches around the league stress their importance, and how teams that have the most success in the later downs typically win the game. Meaning it takes a lot of trust from an offense and a play caller to target specific players in those crucial scenarios.
The last two weeks, Dallas has not gone to their top wide receivers on third down, nor their top tight ends or running backs. In fact, the most targeted and utilized player during those third- and fourth-down snaps in Week 4, was fullback Hunter Luepke.
Out of the 11 possible plays, Luepke was targeted on third and fourth down five times against New York, three more than any other Cowboys playmaker. He converted for a fresh set of downs on three of those five occasions.
"I don't go into any game thinking I'm going to get so many touches or I'm going to be in this many plays," Luepke said. "It's just kind of how football works. When my number is called, I'm going to go out there and perform to the best of my ability."
Part of his effectiveness on offense, stems from the ability to be positionless. Giving the offensive staff freedom to place him anywhere in the formation, which presents a challenge to any defense trying to read it.
"I'm always staying hungry," Luepke said. "Being with a tight end group. They push me being with that running back group. They push me being in that special teams group. All those guys are fighting every single day. It's pretty easy to just put your head down and get to work."
Like a modern lineup in basketball, players can usually be mixed-and-matched to multiple positions on the floor, depending on the situation. Luepke fills a similar role on the football field. Only, he finds the inspiration from those before him, not the hardwood.
"Back in college we used to have motivational videos that my position coach would pull up," Luepke said. "Coach would pull up Mike Alstott pretty much every Friday, if not every other Friday before a game and just watch his film. So yeah, he's a legend."
Mike Alstott played all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He cemented his legacy as one of the most versatile and decorated fullbacks in history, tallying three All-Pro selections, six Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl title.
But growing up in Spencer, Wisconsin, Luepke also had a front-row seat in watching his current head coach, carve out a role for John Kuhn at the fullback position, who also finished his career with multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods, winning two Super Bowls as well.
"Kuhn was one of my favorites growing up as well," Luepke said. "Third and goal on the one-yard line. He comes in, and everybody's just screaming 'Kuuuuuuhn!' That was awesome."
Two role models that Luepke has been fortunate to see in person and learn from on tape to help further his game, and build expectations for himself, that can help this offense improve.
"Teams can use you in different scenarios," Luepke said. "I'm not always just going to be lined up at the F position, straight fullback. That was my mindset rolling into it. Showing my versatility and be everywhere on the field that I possibly can be to make this team, and now to help this team win games."
With three different third-down conversions, including one in the final minutes, Luepke already helped the Cowboys win one game last week in New York, with a hope he can continue that trend as the season rolls into October and beyond.
