In a thrilling matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, the Dallas Cowboys may have started slow, but their fire was undeniable in the second half, turning a flat opening into a nail-biting contest. While the team fought to close the gap, one player stole the spotlight early on with a performance that had head coach Brian Schottenheimer singing his praises: second-year linebacker Marist Liufau.
From the opening whistle, Liufau was a force to be reckoned with. Despite limited snaps in the first quarter, the Notre Dame product racked up an impressive four tackles, each hit delivered with the intensity of a runaway freight train. His relentless energy and physicality left no doubt—he was playing with something to prove.
Schottenheimer couldn’t hold back his excitement when talking about the young linebacker’s impact. “He’s been incredible this whole time in camp,” the coach raved. “Just the physical nature he plays with. Another guy that you love the play style… He’s kind of a throwback linebacker, just gritty. I’m not surprised he played well. He’s been working so hard to get to this point.”
Liufau, a third-round pick in 2024, is no stranger to making waves. Last season, he showcased his potential with 50 tackles, three pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks across 17 games, starting nine. But this year, he’s taken it to another level. His ability to read and react to plays with lightning speed has opposing offenses on notice, and his tenacity is setting the tone for Dallas’ defense.
Paired with fellow linebacker Kenneth Murray and, soon, the dynamic DeMarvion Overshown, Liufau is poised to anchor a linebacker corps that could wreak havoc in the NFL. If his early performance against the Rams is any indication, this “gritty” throwback linebacker is ready to become a game-changer for the Cowboys in 2025. Watch out, NFL—Marist Liufau is coming for you!