Context is everything: Eric Kendricks happy to reunite with Mike Zimmer in Dallas

Kendricks will prove invaluable as Cowboys learn and adjust to Zimmer’s defense scheme.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks smiles as he gives autographs to young fans during annual home run derby for charity, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Riders Field in Frisco . (Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)

FRISCO — The emotions can affect the context of what’s being said when an NFL season is over. On Jan. 10, 2022, middle linebacker Eric Kendricks didn’t hold back. During a video conference call with reporters, the then-Vikings linebacker was asked about head coach Mike Zimmer being fired.

Kendricks didn’t give a glowing endorsement, saying, “I don’t think a fear-based organization is the way to go,” when asked about the next coach. Kendricks also didn’t provide positive feedback about describing his relationship with Zimmer.

“I feel like there’s some things left out there as far as our relationship is concerned,” he said. “I think that’s a question you have to ask him.”

Fast forward to now and Kendricks smiles when talking about Zimmer, the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator. Kendricks spurred an offer from the 49ers, a team that’s reached the NFC conference title game the last three seasons, for the Cowboys.

Reason No. 1: Zimmer.

“Yeah absolutely, I always appreciated Zim,” Kendricks said. “Just the amount of defense I learned when I was underneath him. The way I watch film, the way we break things down, the install, a lot of things I learned from Zim and we had some good years and I can’t wait to continue that.”

On that video call, Kendricks held back tears discussing teammate Anthony Barr. That 2021 season ended with the Vikings going 8-9, losing two of their last three games. It meant the end of Zimmer’s term as head coach.

The emotions of talking about a season and a tenure bring out so much in players. Kendricks said his ego took over during that call with reporters, particularly when it came to Zimmer. Kendricks was upset about not only a season ending without a playoff appearance but the unknown of working with a new coaching staff. Kendricks said if he didn’t respect Zimmer he wouldn’t be working for him again.

The context of what’s said is important.

“Emotions were high,” he said of his comments on Zimmer back in 2022. “We’re very excited. It’s good to be back with him. I love his walkthroughs. I love the little ways he does things, the way he structures things, the level of detail, so I’m excited. I really am.”

Zimmer spent two years out of the game before the Cowboys signed him to a one-year deal as their defensive coordinator. In the process, Zimmer was able to get the organization to sign Kendricks to a one-year contract to become the quarterback of the defense.

If there’s anyone who knows Zimmer’s defense, it’s Kendricks.

He will get everyone lined up and help Damone Clark and Marist Liufau become stronger as middle linebackers.

In seven seasons under Zimmer, Kendricks had over 100 tackles six times and earned an All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl berth in 2019. The 2015 second-round pick from UCLA emerged as the anchor of a unit that finished in the top five three times, No. 1 overall in 2017.

And Kendricks’ presence is already being felt with the Cowboys.

“He’s quick, he’s said [the defensive calls] before and done it before,” Zimmer said. “If he wasn’t here, how much different it would be. So we’re really glad that we have him. An All-Pro player for me, a while ago, obviously a really good player. Hopefully he’ll keep going that way and help the guys around him.”

Of course, Zimmer’s gruff style isn’t for everyone. The defensive coordinator brings an edge team officials believe this group needs. During last week’s OTAs, the loudest coach on the field, however, was defensive line coach Jeff Zgonia, as he worked that position group in individual drills.

Zimmer will be heard at some point while the media is watching.

Kendricks knows all about it and embraces it.

“Life’s hard,” he said. “Absolutely. I respect him fully. We’re going to get this thing going. I had a talk with him this past weekend. We’re excited to have this opportunity to work together again and play off each other.”