CeeDee Lamb proved he’s a warrior through and through. The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver battled through pain during his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Lamb played through an AC joint sprain in his shoulder and managed to rack up 105 yards in a 23-14 win over the Bucs.
Zeke’s Mother Praises CeeDee Lamb’s ‘Tough’ Mentality
The 25-year-old left no doubt about his commitment to the game. Even in a season where the Cowboys don’t have much to fight for, he gave his 100 percent on the field. Lamb inspired praise from Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott’s mother, who tweeted, “CeeDee is a tough kid!!! 😤”
CeeDee is a tough kid!!! 😤
— Momma E (@Momma_Elliott) December 23, 2024
The Louisiana native lived up to that description on Sunday; he didn’t let the shoulder injury prevent him from game-changing plays, including a catch-and-run that set up a Cowboys touchdown.
“My shoulder is outta whack, I’m not gonna even lie to you,” Lamb said after the game. “I’m just out there battling and doing what I do. It’s not fun.” Yet, his love for the game drives him. “I love this game that much. I’m literally willing to put my body out there on the line for my guys,” he added.
The victory over Tampa Bay may not change Dallas’ postseason fate, but it highlighted Lamb’s grit and determination. “I feel like now I’ve kinda went way past the narrative of the money situation. I do it for the money, of course, but it’s way more than that. … I’m living my dream. For anyone that’s thinking that I’m (only) playing for the money is kind of insane,” Lamb said.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb: "My shoulder is outta whack, I'm not gonna even lie to you. I'm just out there battling and doing what I do. It's not fun."
What is the biggest reason he keeps playing through it?
"I love this game that much. I'm literally willing to put my body out…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 23, 2024
Lamb’s season continues stressing the fact that he’s one of the NFL’s best WRs. Boasting 6,727 career scrimmage yards, he’s surpassed the legendary Jerry Rice for the fourth-most scrimmage yards by a WR in their first five seasons.
The Cowboys’ playoff hopes were extinguished before the game, but their victory dented the Buccaneers’ postseason chances. Try PFN’s Free PNFL Playoff Predictor 2024-2025 as the Bucs cling to a playoff spot, facing increased pressure as the season winds down.
For Dallas, this win might not impact their standings, but it reminds the Cowboys’ faithful that the fire to win is still present in the locker room. This year may be gone, but the Cowboys, powered by the resilient mentality of those like Lamb, have a foundation to build upon for the 2025 NFL season.
Lamb isn’t just a star, he’ll be one of the best assets in the franchise’s future. No wonder Jerry Jones made him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.