Randy Gregory will be “featured pass rusher” according to Dan Quinn

Much of the news that Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory has been featured in has had nothing to do with his on-field exploits. From addiction tribulations, to injury setbacks, to controversial statements, the past few years of his life have been eventful — to say the least.

But for all of the turmoil, the uncertainty and worry that’s surrounded his endeavors throughout his pro career, his remarkable on-field potential is what has kept his name on the Cowboys’ roster.

Gregory’s numerous complications have severely limited his playing time up to this point. But #94’s now healthier than ever, eager to put his rocky past behind him, and hungry for bountiful quarterback sacks, plus additional playing time.

That desire has a bit of extra fuel injected into it after he struggled for snaps in Mike Nolan’s regime last season.

“I felt there was a little bit of favoritism going on, refusing to let me outshine their favorite.”

“They knew I could do it, so they did what they could to keep me at bay. I had my times when I was angry. I used to talk to [agent] Peter [Schaffer] about it, and the best thing I could do was just go out there on the field with the plays they give me and make those plays worth it. I did that, but I truly felt I got robbed of a year last year.”

Dan Quinn is making a clear point to endow Gregory with reimbursements for some of the valuable time he lost in 2020.

“I was surprised he didn’t play more,” Quinn said.

“I brought it up to Mike. He was at the top of the list for me as far as defining a role. His playing time is going to increase, for sure. I think he’s going to really take off.”

Quinn told reporters that he had plans to make Gregory a “featured pass rusher” within his system as the preseason draws closer.

Quinn followed that sentiment up by lauding #94’s “special traits.”

We’re just a few days into the team’s training camp stretch, but Gregory has more than shined. He’s gotten to the quarterback on a number of occasions, snuffed out running plays in the backfield, and outgunned his opponents in several one-on-one matchups.

One former assistant called him un-blockable, projecting a Pro Bowl appearance to be in the cards for him in ‘21.

None of us can make up for lost time in this life, but Gregory sure is making the most of his present as he anticipates a starring role in the near future.