Feb. 6, 2026, 5:05 a.m. CT
Que tal aqueles vaqueiros?!? It may sound a little different in Portuguese, but Jimmy Johnson’s iconic line will no doubt translate to an overseas spectacle in Rio de Janeiro during the 2026 season. The Cowboys, after an 11-year absence from the NFL’s International Series, will break out their passports once again to play an as-yet unnamed opponent in Brazil’s sprawling seaside city, the league announced Thursday. Also unknown is the exact date of the Cowboys’ Rio contest. The two previous Brazil games were played in Week 1; does that mean America’s Team will open their season on foreign soil?
Elsewhere in Cowboys news, CeeDee Lamb cites an unexpected source for inspiring his work ethic on the field. Read on to discover what lesson he says he’s learned from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders… and the skill they possess that he says is beyond even his athletic reach.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Super Bowl, we check in on former Cowboys DeMarcus Lawrence, who is still answering questions about his preseason comments regarding his old team, and how ex-Dallas assistant Aden Durde has exploded onto the scene in Seattle and helped turn the Seahawks into favorites to hoist the trophy.
Around the rest of the league, the Rams and 49ers will break new ground when they square off in Australia in 2026, the Hall of Fame takes a serious credibility hit following the Belichick/Kraft snubs, and we ID one free agent each team should go after this offseason. (Will the Cowboys finally make a move on lassoing this long-rumored AFC star?)
Didn’t stay up for the full NFL Honors show? We’ve also got a recap of who won what, including a look at whether Jason Witten and Darren Woodson are getting gold jackets.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Dallas Cowboys Top HeadlinesDallas Cowboys to play 2026 regular season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil :: Dallas Morning News (Link)Does draft history support Cowboys trading out of the No. 20 spot? :: Cowboys Wire (Link)The Cowboys just got the coach they needed to fix one of the team’s biggest weaknesses :: A to Z Sports (Link)All-access from a half-hour bar sit-down with Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)Is it bad Cowboys CB evaluation, bad development or bad luck at issue? :: Cowboys Wire (Link)4 contract restructures that could save the Cowboys a lot of money :: Blogging the Boys (Link)Steelers hire another former Dallas Cowboys coach :: SI.com (Link)Troy Aikman aspires to be a Dallas Cowboys homer :: Awful Announcing (Link)CeeDee Lamb says he’s learned a lot from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders — just not “Thunderstruck” dance :: People (Link)Super Bowl LX NewsEx-Cowboys assistant Aden Durde is making immense impact on Super Bowl-bound Seahawks :: Dallas Morning News (Link)DeMarcus Lawrence addresses past comments on Cowboys as first Super Bowl looms :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)Robert Spillane, former Pats players bothered by Tom Brady not rooting for New England: ‘Makes me sick’ :: NFL.com (Link)‘The Greatest Heist’: Mike Tirico’s Super Bowl-sized decision that transformed sports TV :: The Athletic (Link)News & Headlines from Around the NFL49ers named Rams’ opponent for NFL’s 1st game in Australia :: NFL.com (Link)The Bill Belichick fiasco ‘wounded’ the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now what? :: The Athletic (Link)2026 NFL free agency: Khalil Mack, Malik Willis among players each team should prioritize this offseason :: CBS Sports (Link)NFL Honors Awards RecapDefensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, Cleveland BrownsOffensive Rookie of the Year: Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina PanthersProtector of the Year: Joe Thuney, Chicago BearsComeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ersCoach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, New England PatriotsMoment of the Year: Caleb Williams to DJ Moore, Bears defeat Packers in OTPro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, Roger Craig, Drew BreesUSAA Salute to Service Award: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ersDefensive Rookie of the Year: Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland BrownsOffensive Player of the Year: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle SeahawksMost Valuable Player: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles RamsWalter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
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