FRISCO, Texas — It was a long time coming for CeeDee Lamb who walked back through the doors of The Star on Tuesday for the first time since cleaning out his locker following the playoff loss to Green Bay in January after signing his four-year, $136 million contract extension, immediately ending his offseason-long holdout from team activities.
Lamb missed voluntary team workouts in the spring, summer mini-camp in Frisco and training camp in Oxnard, and with 12 days separating his first practice back with the team on Tuesday and the Cowboys' season-opener in Cleveland against the Browns on Sept. 8, the focus is now getting back in the rhythm of the offense.
"I'm grateful to be here every moment of the day," Lamb said. "I obviously had plenty times to revamp myself physically, become more prepared for the season. Granted, I wish I would've had a camp, but it's ok though. It'll work out on the backend."
The moment came midday on Monday for Lamb who was called by his agent who initially tried to pull a prank on his soon-to-be-richer client. Soon after, he let it loose that the two sides had come to an agreement.
"I was literally in the living room talking with my guys," he said. "My agent FaceTimed me. He hit me with, 'Yeah, man this is going south.' I was like, 'What do you mean? It's time.' He said, 'Well, they're only trying to pay you $34 (million) a year.' I said, 'Where do I sign?'"
In his absence from the team facility, Lamb was working with various specialists in South Florida to keep his conditioning strong in order to be ready physically when he arrived back into the facility.
"I feel like I'm not missing a beat," he said. "The two hours outside in the Florida weather was not pleasant...Coming back indoors, I can breathe a little bit more. Physically prepared for these moments again. I'm ready to go to battle."
In addition, Lamb said earlier on Tuesday he added close to 15 pounds this offseason during his training, as he looks forward to taking the extra bumps and hits to prepare him for the on-field action that the season will bring.
"I got a little more body armor," he said. "I can take a couple more hits."
Other offseason work included Lamb making his way back into DFW to work in Dak Prescott's backyard to keep timing and rhythm down during the offseason, but Lamb admittedly said on Tuesday that there will be a big focus in that department in the coming weeks to be ready when the season begins.
"Quite honestly, I don't think there will be a step behind at all," Lamb added. "I'm ready. I'm prepared for these moments. I've played this game my whole life."
