Former Foster High star and current Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb likes to come back to Houston in the summer.
Lamb balances his offseason travels, fashion shows, and events with workouts in his hometown. He comes back to train with a local receiver specialist, Delfonte Diamond, who Lamb has worked with since he was 14 years old.
“One thing that’s never changed about him is he’s a hard worker,” said Diamond. “Seeing his transition from a boy to a man is a tremendous feeling to see that growth from him.”
Lamb is entering his 3rd season with the Cowboys and the former First Round Pick will be in his first season without Amari Cooper as the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver. Lamb is expected to step into that role.
“I understand what I’m getting myself into,” said Lamb about becoming the main receiver for Dallas. “I understand the shoes that need to be filled, I feel no pressure about it, I’m going out there doing what I love in front of people who love watching what we do, so just going out there to set the standard and showing people what I can do.”
Lamb is also going to be the lead receiver wearing a special number in Cowboys lore. The story goes, Lamb was expecting to wear #10, as an homage to his favorite receiver growing up - former Texans and current Cardinals star DeAndre Hopkins.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones wanted to honor a former Arkansas teammate who had recently passed away named Jerry Lamb, and decided that CeeDee Lamb should wear 88. The elder Lamb wore 88. Two Hall of Fame wide receivers, Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin, wore 88. Recently, Dez Bryant scored 73 touchdowns in a Cowboys uniform in 88. Lamb became up next.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Lamb. “I most definitely want to go down as a legend, I want people to show that I’m a different type of player.”
Lamb said he grew up watching Dez Bryant and appreciates the contribution Bryant and the other 88s have put forth in the Cowboys uniform.
“I have so much respect for those guys, they’re the reason the number means too much to me,” said Lamb. “Every time I put it on my back I understand I’m not just playing for myself.”
It also means something to Lamb that he represents “America’s Team,” in the Cowboys.
“My dream was always to play in the league but it’s a different dream to play for America,” said Lamb. “Representing the United States, the team, the star, it’s very prestigious and for me to be a part of it is a huge honor.”
Lamb is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2021, after putting up 1,102 yards and 6 touchdowns. In the lead role, he says he’s ready for more targets and more spotlight.