BREAKING NEWS:Next Man Up: Marist Liufau Prepped for Big Leap in Year 2 for Cowboys…………..
As the NFL enters its next chapter of the 2025 season, one name that has been creating a significant buzz is that of Marist Liufau, a young linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. The 23-year-old is entering his second season with the team and is poised to make a huge leap in his development. Liufau’s growth and progress in the offseason have caught the attention of both coaches and teammates, as they believe he’s primed to become a key contributor for the Cowboys’ defense.
Early Struggles, Big Potential
Liufau was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft as a promising linebacker out of Notre Dame, where he showcased excellent leadership and instincts. However, his first season was a difficult one. While he showed flashes of his potential, the transition from college to the NFL is never easy. Liufau struggled with consistency, particularly in pass coverage and in recognizing the pace of NFL offenses. His rookie year wasn’t the smoothest ride, but he learned valuable lessons, and the Cowboys’ coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, kept their faith in him.
“I think Marist was a bit overwhelmed at first, but he’s shown incredible resilience,” said Quinn. “He’s had an offseason to really dig into the playbook, refine his technique, and develop his confidence. We’re really excited to see what he can do now that he’s had time to adjust.”
Despite his growing pains, Liufau’s potential was always apparent. His physical tools — a combination of size, speed, and agility — made him a tantalizing prospect. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, Liufau has the frame to handle the demands of an NFL linebacker. His football IQ has been lauded, and many scouts believe that once he fully understands the intricacies of the NFL game, his ceiling is incredibly high.
Preparing for Year 2: A New Approach
During the offseason, Liufau put in extra work to refine his weaknesses. He spent countless hours in the film room studying opposing offenses, looking for tendencies that would give him an edge on the field. He worked closely with Cowboys veterans like Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch, learning not only the technical aspects of the game but also how to approach each matchup mentally.
“I’ve learned so much from the guys who’ve been around the game longer,” Liufau said. “Micah, Leighton — they’re such great players, and they’ve shown me how to work smarter, not just harder. It’s all about anticipating what’s going to happen, staying one step ahead.”
Liufau’s effort to improve his mental game has been evident in training camp, where he’s been praised for his growth in understanding the defense’s schemes. He’s become much more comfortable reading offenses and has been quicker to react in coverage. His ability to diagnose plays has been one of the standout improvements, and he’s already showing that he can contribute more on passing downs, which was an area of concern during his rookie campaign.
Another area of focus has been his conditioning and injury prevention. Liufau came into the NFL with a strong build, but he now understands the importance of maintaining peak physical condition throughout the long season. He’s worked with the team’s training staff on mobility drills and injury prevention techniques to ensure that he remains healthy and effective as the season progresses.
The “Next Man Up” Mentality
One of the key themes surrounding Liufau as he enters Year 2 is the “Next Man Up” mentality that defines the Cowboys’ locker room. With an influx of new talent and a team that expects to contend for a Super Bowl, there’s a pressure to step up when called upon. Liufau is aware of the opportunity in front of him, and the team’s confidence in his abilities is growing by the day.
As it stands, Liufau is expected to play a significant role in the Cowboys’ defense this season. With veteran linebacker Leighton Vander Esch dealing with a few lingering injuries in recent seasons, Liufau could become an integral part of the Cowboys’ linebacking corps. The team has been preparing him to assume more responsibility, and there’s a strong possibility that he will start more games this season, contributing heavily on both running and passing downs.
“I’ve been telling Marist that the league is looking for guys who can be versatile and contribute in every phase of the game,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. “He’s been showing that he can do that. He’s got the tools to be a three-down linebacker, and that’s what we expect from him this year.
