The expression “the finest stay in Texas” might not only be used in the recruitment of high school talent in the Lone Star State, but also in the NFL, where the Dallas Cowboys, with their 149th overall pick in the 2025 Draft, chose to keep a local star by selecting Texas Longhorns running back, Jaydon Blue. “This is incredibly meaningful; it still feels unbelievable,” Blue remarked about staying in Texas.
“I’ve always aspired to play in my home state, and being picked by the Cowboys, especially America’s Team, is significant to me.” “Having the opportunity to play for them, where my family doesn’t have to travel far, means the world to me, truly.” His family got used to this luxury during his college days, with his hometown Houston being roughly two and a half hours from Austin. Now, as Blue continues his football career in Dallas, the drive extends to just over three hours for his family.
On Saturday evening, Blue became the third consecutive Texas running back to be drafted into the NFL. He follows in the footsteps of Atlanta Falcons’ 2023 first-round pick Bijan Robinson and Carolina Panthers’ 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, both former teammates now in the league. Ironically, Brooks was on the Cowboys’ radar in the previous year’s draft before the Panthers selected him 10 spots ahead of Dallas.
Although it took longer than the Cowboys might have preferred, they finally secured a Longhorns running back in this draft. While Blue might not enter his rookie season with the same buzz as Robinson or even Brooks, it doesn’t imply he won’t have opportunities to contribute to the Cowboys next season. Despite signing free agents JaVonte Williams and Miles Sanders, running back was identified as a need for Dallas heading into the draft.
Although Williams and Sanders bring experience and past NFL success, Blue will have his chance to compete. Even if Blue’s involvement is limited to a few plays per game to relieve Williams or Sanders, he has a single objective. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help this team return to the Super Bowl,” Blue declared. Despite never being the primary back at Texas, Blue was productive as a Longhorn, amassing 1,161 yards and 11 touchdowns on 214 carries, along with 503 yards and seven additional touchdowns on 56 receptions over his career.
Last season, Blue experienced a breakout year in Austin. With injuries reducing the Longhorns’ running back depth, Blue emerged as one of Texas’s leading backs. He participated in all 15 games, finishing with 730 yards and eight touchdowns on 134 carries, along with 368 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver. “My versatility, that’s key,” Blue said of his skills. “Speed, catching ability out of the backfield, route running, I’m prepared to pass protect, put my body on the line for the team, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.”
