Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn had his welcome to the NFL moment on Saturday night as the team had their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Although the Cowboys came up short with the win, some highlights of the night showed what the young talent on the team has added to the team.
Deuce Vaughn’s First NFL Touchdown
One of those moments was Vaughn’s four-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
.@C_Vaughn22 is a force 💯#JAXvsDAL | 📺: @CBS11 & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/AYfC8ZXQBD
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 12, 2023
When asked what it felt like for him at that moment, Vaughn said, “It’s hard to put into words.”
He gave credit to the guys up front who were blocking for him to get into the end zone, saying, “They were blocking their butts off all game.”
During the game’s broadcast, you could see Dak Prescott jumping joyfully and running down the field after Vaughn scored.
Dak Prescott is fired up for Deuce Vaughn pic.twitter.com/9WiEfiwjhv
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 12, 2023
When asked what Prescott told him after his moment, Vaughn said he was so excited he didn’t remember what happened or what was said but that many of his teammates told him it was “the first of many.”
Vaughn mentioned that getting this touchdown in his first preseason game was a testament to all the work he has been putting in since before the draft.
Deuce Vaughn’s Family Ties
Vaughn became the people’s choice when he was drafted in the sixth round during the 2023 NFL Draft. His dad Chris Vaughn, the Cowboys’ Assistant Director of College Scouting, called Deuce and told him he was getting selected.
Deuce was asked if he spoke to his dad, and he said that he got to catch up with him in the tunnel after the game.
“To have him here in the locker room after playing your first preseason game, it’s unreal,” said the rookie running back.
Vaughn’s First Preseason Game
During the game, Vaughn touched the ball eight times and racked up 50 yards, the most rushing yards for all the running backs who played. When asked what he thinks, this game showed people that he belongs.
“I feel like that’s the biggest thing for myself of coming in and proving people that believe me right, and it doesn’t stop now. You go back to work on Monday, and you get ready for the next preseason game,” said Vaughn.
Taking reps behind both Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis, Vaughn said the game plan was to stay patient. He mentioned how he was observing the game to see what was going on so that when it was his time, he could be successful.
Last week, Prescott discussed Vaughn having some of the best handwork on the team. Vaughn said that he takes pride in that aspect of his game, and it’s part of his ability to be versatile in the backfield.
The crowd went wild when Vaughn made plays and scored the touchdown. He says he doesn’t usually hear the crowd because he’s so locked in, but it was electric at AT&T Stadium during the game.
The rookie said knowing he has the support helps him build confidence and is ready for the next game.