Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown catch with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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SEATTLE — From the moment he went undrafted, Cowboys rookie wide receiver Camden Brown has had, what he calls, an edge. Not in an angry or guarded way, but in a sharpened focus and a clearer appreciation for the chance to play football.
“It’s from the way you wake up,” Brown said. “From the day you wake up every day, you don’t feel complacent. You wake up with an edge, showing gratitude. You don’t show up and be like ‘Man, I’ve got to survive today.’ No, you don’t want to be like that.”
Instead of defeating him, going undrafted motivated him. The reminder of how fragile a football life can be reminded him to live it to the fullest.
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“It was a great feeling,” he said unironically about the day he went undrafted, “because I feel like it was another chance to prove people wrong.”
It’s a chance he continues to capitalize on.
Brown took on a starring role in Saturday’s 17-7 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks. Brown finished with three catches for 62 yards and two highlight-reel touchdown catches. The first was a 39-yard heave from quarterback Sam Howell that Brown caught despite tight coverage. The second was a fade from Joe Milton that looked like it might be out of Brown’s range, until he reached out with one hand and snagged it.
“I told him the other day, when I’ve seen him make plays in practice, it turns me up,” said undrafted tight end Michael Trigg, who had a team-high four catches for 30 yards. “Like it makes me get a little riled up, so I need to make a play now when I see him make a great play. He’s a great player.”
It may have been a different field for Brown, but the results were similar. He set the Georgia Southern school record for touchdown catches in a season last year with 14. During training camp, he’s shown the same ability, rising the depth chart.
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“The game is not too big for him,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “He does it every, every day in practice. We see it all the time.”
But even Brown, with a big smile, could recognize Saturday was a little different.
“It’s how your dreams become a reality,” he said.
Speaking of reality: after the way Brown played Saturday, and after the way he’s played in training camp, it’s now realistic to consider him a major competitor in the race for one of the team’s final receiver spots. The top four spots are spoken for from CeeDee Lamb, to George Pickens, to Ryan Flournoy and to return specialist KaVontae Turpin. After Saturday’s game, when Brown was speaking with reporters, all four of them walked by and kept saying Cam’s name in unison.
Brown’s entered the conversation for more than just his receiving ability, however. He rose the depth chart on special teams. There was a kickoff return where Brown was seen blocking his opponent downfield and up to the whistle. He and a teammate celebrated after.
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“What I love about him is he does the little things, too,” Schottenheimer said. “You watch him on special teams and one-on-one drills and things like that: he realizes that’s how you make this football team.
“That stuff matters.”
There’s still a long way until Brown can earn a spot on the roster, though. The Cowboys have a joint practice against the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. They have two more preseason games after that.
“He had a really good day,” Schottenheimer said of Brown, “but he’s got to keep stacking days, like he’s been doing.”
And ultimately, Brown has to keep proving people wrong. He had to keep his edge. He has an inspiration for it.
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Brown wore the picture of his younger sister, Kaden Storm Brown, around his neck after the game. She passed away Aug. 13, 2021. In an Instagram post announcing her death, Brown marked his location as “heart broken.” Brown said that his sister was not expected to live past 3 years old due to kidney failure. Instead, she lived well beyond that.
“My little sister right here,” Brown said pointing to his necklace, “she done proved everybody wrong. So that’s just who I am. That’s the way my family is built. We always prove everybody wrong.”
Brown continues to show it. Thursday marked the five-year anniversary of his sister’s passing. He said this past week was tough for him. Two days later, he had a breakout performance on an NFL field. He started to smile when he thought about what his sister would tell him if she could.
“She’d be proud of me,” Brown said. “She’s smiling right now. That’s how I live through it. She’s smiling at me, and I’m happy for it.”
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) catches a pass as Dallas Cowboys defensive back Shavon Revel (28) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs (13) lines up for a snap to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a ball on the sidelines before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) takes the field with teammates before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys players huddle around quarterback Dak Prescott before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) huddles with teammates before of an NFL preseason football gameagainst the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys fans cheer their team before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani (36) gets past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (50) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) takes the field before of an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) throws a touchdown pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) who is blocked by Seattle offensive lineman Bobby Hart (68) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Adedayo Odeleye (96) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) catches a pass as Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) defend during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (87) catches a touchdown pass between Dallas Cowboys defensive backs Trikweze Bridges (25) and Alijah Clark during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) scrambles under pressure from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Patrick O’Connell (52) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) gets past Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) throws a pass over Seattle Seahawks defensive end Rylie Mills (98) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) talks with George Pickens on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer talks with quarterback Sam Howell (16) along with quarterback Joe Milton III (10) and quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown catch with head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Camden Brown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DJ Withers (59) is held by Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Beau Stephens (60) as he rushes Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown catches a touchdown pass as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) wrestles for the ball with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston (41) drops Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) for a loss during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston (41) is held by Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Bobby Hart (68) as he rushes Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (20) runs for a first down during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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A penalty flag flies into the play as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) scrambles away from Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Tommy Dunn (95) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey kicks an extra point during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer works on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys tight end DJ Rogers (49) fumbles as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land (58) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) for a 14-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Reddy Steward (27) celebrates after a penalty went against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) throws a pass over Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jalan Gaines (47) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DJ Withers (59) celebrates after Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land (58) sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) for a 14-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer pumps his fist after Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe for a 14-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) throws a pass over Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle J.R. Singleton (70) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (92), linebacker Rashan Gary (7) and defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97) sit on a training table as they watch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda (30) pushes through the Seattle Seahawks defense during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence hugs Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown after an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97), linebacker Rashan Gary (7) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (92) sit on a training table as they watch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hugs quarterback Joe Milton after a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys long snapper Trent Sieg signs autographs after a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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