Eric Kendricks will reunite with Mike Zimmer on the Dallas Cowboys. The linebacker is happy to play for the defensive coordinator again despite some critical remarks two years ago.
After the Minnesota Vikings fired Zimmer as head coach in January 2022, Kendricks said “a fear-based organization” isn’t the right way to build a winning team culture. Per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Kendricks explained his mindset at the time when looking forward to connecting with Zimmer again.
“Emotions were high,” Kendricks said. “We’re very excited. It’s good to be back with him. I love his walkthroughs. I love the little ways he does things, the way he structures things, the level of detail, so I’m excited. I really am.”
Kendricks said he still enjoyed playing for Zimmer. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have backed out of a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to sign with the Cowboys in March.
“Absolutely, I always appreciated Zim,” Kendricks said. “Just the amount of defense I learned when I was underneath him. The way I watch film, the way we break things down, the install, a lot of things I learned from Zim. We had some good years, and I can’t wait to continue that.”
Zimmer may not always be the easiest coach to play for, but Kendricks still admires him. The 2019 All-Pro is ready go get back to work alongside the defensive coordinator.
“Life’s hard,” Kendricks said. “Absolutely. I respect him fully. We’re going to get this thing going. I had a talk with him this past weekend. We’re excited to have this opportunity to work together again and play off each other.”