Once upon a time, back in the dim recesses of history, the primary purpose of NFL training camps was getting the players back in shape. Most of the players would take the off part of the off season seriously, and many would work other jobs (this was the era of five figure salaries, when the practice squad was called the taxi squad because so many of the people on it drove cabs as their real job). Some would work out, but quite a few did very little and spent most of training camp getting the muscles toned back up and shedding some excess weight.

Things have certainly changed. Now, not coming into training camp in shape can have a serious impact on your career. Ask Montrae Holland.

One of the much debated topics around here (although almost all the topics around here can spur impassioned arguments) is how much impact the lack of an off season program had on the Dallas Cowboys last year, and how much improvement might be brought about by the first full off season with Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Woicik. I have some pretty strong opinions on that myself, falling into the group that thinks he can duplicate the success he had back in the glory days with the early nineties Cowboys and the New England Patriots in the aughts. But it occurred to me that I really don't know much about the off season programs for either individual players or the team. And with the changes under the new CBA, I though it might be good to take a look at what is coming up in the realm of minicamps, organized team activities, and personal training.

The facts of the matter after the jump.

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It's the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, that time when a young fan's fancy turns to thoughts of draft picks and free agent signings. We all are hoping the team can find some vital pieces to correct the glaring issues and get the Star back into the playoffs where it belongs.

But most of the team that takes the field in 2012 will be veteran players. The success of the Cowboys will depend more on them, just as a factor of numbers, than it will on a handful of draft choices and free agents. That is why I have been giving a good bit of thought to who should be kept with the team, as well as who should go.

And this year, there is no lockout. This is the first offseason for Head Coach Jason Garrett, Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Woicik. Will this make a big difference?

Well, I sure hope so. There are an awful lot of things that need to be improved, and many people (like me) have stated that the team was hurt by the lockout. Some (like me) went so far as to state that the situation sucked. So, in the absense of the Great Suckitude, what do we hope will change?

Three things I am looking for after the jump.

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