Dallas Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer, NFL
‘We’re Mentally Tough’ — Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer Embraces Brutal Travel Schedule 1
The Dallas Cowboys have already had to deal with an unusual stretch of travel, and the next few weeks are only going to make things more demanding. After beating the Washington Commanders in Week 2, the Cowboys are heading to Brazil for Sunday’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens before returning home to face the Houston Texans on a short week.
However, for Brian Schottenheimer, the schedule is not something his team can afford to complain about. The Cowboys’ head coach knows that the travel will test his players but he also believes they are prepared to handle it without letting the unusual routine become an excuse.
Brian Schottenheimer Says Dallas Cowboys Must Handle Travel Challenge
Aug 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on during warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesAug 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on during warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on during warm ups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Schottenheimer spoke about the Cowboys’ upcoming schedule on September 24 and acknowledged that the trip to Brazil, followed by another game and a quick turnaround, is a demanding stretch. Still, he wants his players focused on what is directly in front of them rather than worrying about everything coming afterward.
“I’d be a hypocrite if I said I think it’s a tough task. But we’re up to it. We’re mentally tough. We need to be. This is a long season, and I can’t be a win the day type guy and be angry about it. But in reality, it’s a long trip, come home, Houston, short week.
“But we’re going to win today and then we’re going to (Brazil) and we’re going to win Friday and Saturday and play a really good team and hopefully win that. But you got to stay in the moment. It does require mental toughness. The schedule is the schedule and we will play anybody anytime, anywhere. But it’s unique schedule for sure.”
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on Dallas’ tough schedule with all of the travel over the next few weeks:
“I’d be a hypocrite if I said I think it’s a tough task. But we’re up to it. We’re mentally tough. We need to be. This is a long season, and I can’t be a win the day type… pic.twitter.com/9onh0CqFF1
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 24, 2026
The Cowboys are scheduled to fly to Rio de Janeiro on Thursday night, with the trip taking roughly 10 hours. Schottenheimer said the team has deliberately planned the flight around sleep so the players can get into Brazil and still follow a relatively normal practice routine.
Most of the players will have lay-flat seats, while the plane will be kept dark to encourage everyone to rest. The Cowboys also plan to get the players moving soon after landing before holding meetings and practicing. The goal is to start the adjustment process immediately rather than allowing travel to consume the entire day.
That preparation matters because the Cowboys are not simply traveling for a game. The Cowboys are also dealing with the disruption of their normal weekly rhythm.
There has also been plenty of discussion about the playing surface in Brazil. Schottenheimer does not appear interested in allowing that to become another distraction but pointed out that outdoor games already require teams to deal with changing conditions, whether that means rain, wind, or the surface itself.
The Cowboys enter the trip after an important Week 2 win over the Commanders. The Cowboys scored 37 points in that game, with Dak Prescott throwing four touchdown passes, but the offense also had stretches where it slowed down before finding another gear late.