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Juanyeh ‘extremely explosive’, high bar set for 2024

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Juanyeh ‘extremely explosive’, high bar set for 2024


FRISCO, Texas — Anyone paying attention to how the Dallas Cowboys’ roster is constructed knows it’s one flooded with talented young players, and Juanyeh Thomas has made sure to not only stand out amongst them, but to also show that, when given the chance, he can be more than just a capable defensive player in this league.

As his 2023 film readily confesses, Thomas is a starter in the making.

Having spent the entirety of his rookie season in 2022 on the team’s practice squad with the goal of developing for whenever, if ever his number was called, his hard work and humility paid off in spades when head coach Mike McCarthy and then defensive coordinator Dan Quinn looked to him in stretches as a Year 2 talent — on one of the best defenses in the league.

As he heads into Year 3, the expectations are much different than they were for him 12 months ago, however, but that’s precisely what he’s been working toward over the last two seasons:

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More and higher expectations.

“I have a chance to really expand my role and touch up on things that I really didn’t get right last year,” said the former undrafted free agent in an exclusive interview with team reporter Nicole Hutchison. “So having an opportunity in my third year, it’s really a chance to up my role and show what I can do in Year 3, for real.”

McCarthy sees the trajectory of Thomas, and all that fuels it.

“I thought he made a big jump last year,” he said of the 23-year-old who climbed from the ranks of the practice squad not so long ago to potentially being a full-time starter in 2024. “He’s been dynamic on special teams and what you want, particularly this time of year, is to see young players in a different light. And Juanyeh just has so much personality. He’s such a bright light.

“When he was given an opportunity at safety, he stepped up. Juanyeh is clearly a great example of a young player that’s excelled with the opportunities he’s been given. It’ll be awesome to see him take another step.”

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Thomas logged only one start last season but played in 16 games, contributing on with his physical style of coverage and heavily on special teams as well — racking up 190 snaps on defense and 315 snaps (75%) for John “Bones” Fassel.

Being tutored by defensive backs coach (and now also assistant head coach) Al Harris has effectively shortened his learning curve at the NFL level and, for his part, Harris beamed when giving an assessment of Thomas’ progression to this point.

“Yeh, man, he’s an extremely, extremely explosive athlete,” said Harris. “I think he’s gonna do a really, really good job moving forward. HIgh hopes for [him].”

It goes without saying that a much more confident Thomas also carries those very same high hopes for himself as he prepares for this third Cowboys’ training camp in a few weeks, understanding nothing will be given in a safeties room that also features the return of his good friend Markquese Bell to the position.

Bell, who was moved to linebacker full-time last season due to injuries at that position, carries a lot of versatility in his toolbag but, now more than ever, so does Thomas.

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“I showed last year that I could play every spot,” he said. “I played corner, I played nickel, I played safety, I played [line]backer. Just really showing the coaches and showing everybody my versatility to be able to play down, back and guard everybody.”

For the first time in his young career, Thomas is getting a taste of what a regime change looks like in the NFL, with Quinn taking the mantle for the Washington Commanders and former Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer returning to try and make the defense worthy of a Super Bowl.

But what exactly does that mean for Thomas, Bell and other veterans like Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Sheldrick Redwine and Israel Mukuamu, or rookies like Julius Wood and Emany Johnson?

“I’m just curious to see, going into camp, where I’ll be [placed] and how it’ll play out with the new scheme,” said Thomas. “It’s gonna be a lot of opportunities for a lot of people, and I wanna be one of those guys, so I’m just curious to see.”

One thing is for certain, and it’s that the former Yellow Jacket isn’t afraid to make his presence felt on the field in-between smiles.

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After all, that’s why he’s drawing so much … buzz.



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Dallas, TX

Man found dead over the weekend by police in South Dallas identified

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Man found dead over the weekend by police in South Dallas identified




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DAL@STL Postgame: Glen Gulutzan | Dallas Stars

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DAL@STL Postgame: Glen Gulutzan | Dallas Stars


DallasStars.com is the official Web site of DSE Hockey Club, L.P. The Dallas Stars primary logo is a registered trademark and the Stars name and secondary logos are trademarks of the Dallas Stars. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2025 DSE Hockey Club, L.P. and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.



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LIVE: Road conditions in DFW for Tuesday

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LIVE: Road conditions in DFW for Tuesday


After briefly ending the subfreezing streak, it remains bitterly cold this morning. Any lingering moisture has iced over, resulting in patches of black ice on exposed surfaces. Residents should exercise extra caution. 

Roads remain slick in many areas. The safest option is to stay off the roads until more significant melting occurs this afternoon. 

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With melting adding moisture to the air and light winds on Tuesday night, there is a risk of fog as temperatures drop back below freezing. The risk is highest north and west of the Metroplex. Freezing fog is particularly dangerous, as it can create a thin layer of ice on any surface it touches. This may spread across North Texas after 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Live Traffic Map

Road Conditions – Tuesday, Jan. 25

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10:30 a.m.: DFW road conditions

 The roads are still a little rough. According to FOX 4 traffic reporter Chip Waggoner, transition areas are the worst in this period of flux. 

You have the highways and the toll roads that have been sanded and graded, but you also have on and off ramps and the secondary streets that remain untouched.

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“It’s pretty dangerous and treacherous there. That’s why I think one more day of staying home is going to be worth your while,” he said.

As temperatures get above freezing on Tuesday afternoon, some of the ice should begin to melt.

8:50 a.m.: Road conditions around Fort Worth

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8:40 a.m.: Trouble on I-30 continues

8:20 a.m.: Road conditions in Collin County

8 a.m.: Trouble on I-30

6:40 a.m.: Icy conditions

5:30 a.m.: I-35E at Hwy. 66

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5:15 a.m.: Stay home if you can

Track Icy Road Conditions

If the roads are icy, the best thing you can do is stay home. If you must drive in inclement weather, allow additional time to reach your destination and share your travel plans with a friend or family member, so someone knows the route you’re taking.

If you must drive in inclement weather, allow additional time to reach your destination and share your travel plans with a friend or family member, so someone knows the route you’re taking.

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When driving on icy roads, drive slowly and increase the distance between your vehicle and others when stopping. Do not use cruise control during poor driving conditions and ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas before you head out.

Safety officials tell Texans to be aware and approach bridges and overpasses slowly as ice can accumulate before drivers are able to see it on the roads. Drivers should also watch for downed trees and power lines. If a stoplight is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

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Safe driving protocols

What you can do:

Safety officials ask Texans to keep a well-stocked emergency kit with warm clothes, food, water, cell phone battery/charger and first aid items.

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Here are some other tips to help you stay ahead of winter weather: 

  • Use an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
  • Sign up for calls or texts from your local emergency notification system.
  • Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.
  • Make sure furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials and make sure to turn them off when you’re away or sleeping. (Also ensure that space heaters cannot tip over and that the cord is not damaged)
  • Check on friends and family members whose health or age may put them at greater risk.
  • Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods, bottled water and medication.
  • Ensure your vehicle’s safety by making sure doors and trunk locks are properly lubricated to prevent them from freezing. Also, check your vehicle’s battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure and tire tread.

Texas DPS also recommends individuals to check their vehicle’s fluid levels and have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes warm clothes, food, water, cell phone battery/charger and first aid items.

Have a way to get updates

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Watch live coverage on your phone

With severe winter weather on the way this weekend, you should have a way to get important updates if the power goes out.

The FOX LOCAL app will allow you to stay up to date with livestreams, the latest forecasts, news stories and weather alerts in real time, all from your mobile phone or tablet.

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  • Stay connected with FOX 4 News. For winter storm coverage — Download Now.

Get county emergency alerts

You can also sign up to get alerts sent to your phone from your county’s emergency office.

The Source: Information in this article comes from TxDOT, Traffic reporter Chip Waggoner, and previous FOX 4 coverage. 

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