Dallas Cowboys gear up for promising 2024 NFL Season
The Dallas Cowboys have won five Super Bowls and eight conference championships, making them one of the most successful and popular franchises in the NFL. | Photo by Michael Barera, via Wikimedia Commons
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2024 NFL season, fans and experts have high hopes for the team. With a season full of potential ahead, here’s a look at what Dallas can expect:
Playoff contention
Local analysts and fans are buzzing with excitement as the Cowboys enter the new season. With Dak Prescott leading the offense and Micah Parsons anchoring the defense, the Cowboys are expected to be strong contenders for the playoffs.
There have been some changes to the offense, as running back Tony Pollard and offensive tackle Tyron Smith signed with new teams in the offseason. But fans will be happy to see another familiar face, as Ezekiel Elliott signed a one-year deal to come back to Dallas. First-round pick Tyler Guyton will take Smith’s spot on the offensive line.
Coach contract
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is entering the final season of his contract amid speculation about his future. At a recent training camp press conference, McCarthy was asked if he feels pressure this season and whether it motivates his team. He responded with confidence, praising his coaching staff and players. McCarthy likened his staff to “diamonds” and emphasized their commitment and enjoyment in their roles, noting that any discussions about the future were settled earlier in the year.
Highlights from training camp
Quarterback Dak Prescott has demonstrated strong leadership and precision, setting a high bar for the offense. Among the young standouts, rookie wide receiver Jalen Tolbert has impressed with his speed and route-running, hinting at a significant role in the offense.
First fall 2024 game
The Cowboys will kick off their 2024 season with their first fall game on Sept. 8, against the Cleveland Browns and their home opener is the following week against New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 15. Check out more Cowboys coverage via WFAA.
Asked
Which Dallas quarterback was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006?
A. Roger Staubach
B. Tony Romo
C. Troy Aikman
D. Don Meredith
The Suicide Machines | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 8 p.m. | Trees | $343-$358 | Catch The Suicide Machines live and experience their electrifying blend of high-energy ska punk rock with original frontman Jason Navarro.
Friday, August 9
Comedy at The Kessler | Friday, Aug. 9 | 6 p.m. | The Kessler | $22-$320 | Laugh your socks off with stand-up comedians Daniel Taylor, Linda Stogner, Sheredi Lester, Miles Francis, and Corey Cherry Jr.
10cc Ultimate Greatest Hits | Friday, Aug. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Majestic Theatre | $12-$249 | Experience iconic hits live with one of rock’s legendary bands.
Saturday, August 10
Cedar Hill Farmers Market | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Historic Downtown Cedar Hill | Free | Check out some amazing vendors at the Cedar Hill Farmers Market.
Lowrider Dallas Super Show | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Market Hall | $40-$150 | Join in celebrating 47 years of Lowrider with a supershow featuring bikes, cars, and motorcycles.
Foam Wonderland | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6-11 p.m. | Texas Live! | $45-$75 | Cool off with a dance party full of multi-colored bubbles featuring DJs ARMNHMR, Bear Grillz, Canabliss, and more.
Celebrity chef Carla Pellegrino is set to open Urban Italia, a casual Italian restaurant, in Dallas’ Victory Park at 3030 Nowitzki Way #100, the former WFAA studio. Construction begins this summer, with an opening slated for early 2025. (CultureMap Dallas)
Biz
Dallas Trinity FC has partnered with Nike as their official apparel supplier. The new women’s soccer team will prepare for their inaugural season starting Sunday, Aug. 18 in Tampa, Florida. This deal marks the team’s first major sponsorship. (Dallas Business Journal)
Legacy
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Duane Thomas died on Sunday at 77. Born in Dallas, Thomas was instrumental in the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI victory. His impressive career began with the Cowboys’ 1970 NFL Draft.(WFAA)
Travel
Fiji Airways will launch its first nonstop flights from Nadi, Fiji to DFW International Airport starting December 10, 2024. The 13-hour service will operate thrice weekly, with introductory fares starting at $699. (CultureMap Dallas)
Community
Urban farmers and community gardeners in Dallas can apply for up to $10,000 in grants through the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program. The new pilot initiative, which will end on Monday, Sept. 2, aims to raise local food production with the addition of greenhouses and hydroponic systems. (CultureMap Dallas)
Open
Chefika, an upscale Turkish restaurant by Serdar “Sam” Sensel, will open in Preston Hollow Village. Located at 7859 Walnut Hill Ln. #170, the restaurant will offer traditional Turkish dishes in a fine-dining atmosphere. (CultureMap Dallas)
Award
Actress Wanda Sykes, Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson, and Danyel Surrency Jones are this year’s honorees for the Dallas Wings’ second annual Nancy Liberman Women of Inspiration Awards. The awards ceremony will be held during the Wings’ game against the Connecticut Sun on Friday, Aug. 16, at 8:30 p.m. (Dallas Voice)
Closing
TIAA, a financial services company, will close its Denver office in 2026. More than 1,000 jobs will be relocated to Frisco, Texas with operations set to start in 2026. The decision was announced on Aug. 6 due to financial considerations, allowing TIAA to save on rent and operational costs. (Dallas Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
Get ready for a thrilling esports showdown at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena from Saturday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Sept. 15. Nearly 150 top players from 35 countries will compete in the Fortnite and Rocket League World Championships. Texas stars Cooper, Clix, ApparentlyJack, and Hockser will join competitors for a chance to win over $3 million in prizes. (Dallas Innovates)
Olympics
North Texas athletes showcased their talents at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Highlights include Sha’Carri Richardson’s silver in the 100m, Scottie Scheffler’s gold in golf, and Vincent Hancock’s gold in skeet shooting. Notably, Hezly Rivera helped secure gymnastics team gold, while others earned medals in track, shooting, and swimming. Get more coverage via WFAA.
Sports
Who’s not making it into the Cowboys 53-man roster? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Psst. Want to fly out of DFW for less? It’s Going’s annual birthday sale — get 40% off a Premium membership and get notified about amazing flight deals all year long (like $166 to Cancun).*
The winner of the Big Tex Choice Award will receive bragging rights and a trophy. | Photo provided by the State Fair of Texas
Finalists for the Big Tex Choice Awards — an annual competition of delectable, over-the-top State Fair food — have been announced. Competitors will be judged in the following categories:
Savory snacks
Dominican Fritura Dog | Justin Martinez The Drowning Taquitos | Tony & Terry Bednar Hippie Chips | Rose & Tom Deschenes Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers | Palmer & Amanda Fortune Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs | Nick & Vera Bert
From a record-breaking 65 entries submitted by 40 concessionaires, 24 semi-finalists were chosen based on uniqueness, creativity, presentation, and taste.
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