FRISCO, Texas 鈥 Depending on the player, getting that next contract can consume most of your time. In fact, it might even affect your status of being at training camp or practicing at all.
For Hunter Luepke, his focus was different.
"I was just worried about making the team," the versatile fullback said. "So I wasn't really expecting anything until my agent called."
Luepke's agent called him last week to inform his client the Cowboys had agreed to a two-year contract worth over $6 million, keeping him on the team at least through the 2027 season. Before the deal, Luepke was scheduled to be a restricted free agent at the end of this year.
"I'm thankful for the Cowboys organization for just believing in me and being able to go out there and perform and do my stuff for the (star players)," Luepke said. "Dallas gave me a chance and I'm just trying to make the most of my opportunities."
And because of his versatility, the opportunities are popping up more and more. Listed as a fullback, Luepke can serve as the running back, help out at tight end and of course, plays just about every special teams unit.
"I take pride in that," he said. "The more you can do on the field, the better. That's my mindset since I got here, and it hasn't changed."
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he's constantly singing Luepke's praises, perhaps even to the point of making the soft-spoken fullback uncomfortable.
"Congrats to Hunter 鈥 I tell him all the time that he's an incredible player with incredible tools," Schottenheimer said. "Every time Hunter goes in the game, he does great things. He had a great blitz pickup on the third play of the game. We were limited in the (offensive) snaps we had in Philly. But as the games go, you certainly will see him more."
Undrafted out of North Dakota State, Luepke joined the Cowboys after the draft and has quietly built up several roles for himself. But despite more playing time, and now the more money in his pocket, Luepke was asked if he still worries about making the team.
"Yeah, every day," he admitted. "I'm just trying to always stay in the moment."
