Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares his inspiring story as the Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares his inspiring story as the Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News

FRISCO — As a three‑time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, Chad Hennings has long commanded the admiration of thousands of fans across North Texas and beyond. 

On a recent afternoon at The Star in Frisco, the former defensive lineman and Air Force pilot added a new group of admirers to his collection — one made up of men and women who understand discipline, sacrifice and service as deeply as he does.

Before the start of the USAA Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp, Hennings gathered 100 Dallas‑area military members at midfield inside the Cowboys’ indoor practice facility. 

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The event, now in its fourth year, brings together service members from bases across Texas and other states for a rare opportunity: to train like NFL prospects under the guidance of a Super Bowl champion, who also happens to be a decorated Air Force pilot.

Standing among the troops, Hennings — who flew more than 50 combat missions during his military career — delivered words meant to inspire. His voice carried easily through the cavernous fieldhouse, but his message resonated even more.

“I flew my last mission in northern Iraq in ’92, and I played in the Super Bowl the same year,” he told the group, drawing nods from soldiers, airmen and Marines who understood the weight of balancing duty with ambition. 

His story, he reminded them, is proof that two seemingly distant worlds — military service and professional sports — can coexist.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, center left, listens alongside military members receiving instructions on some of the NFL drills they will be competing in as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, center left, listens alongside military members receiving instructions on some of the NFL drills they will be competing in as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News

Hennings’ path to the NFL was anything but conventional. He played college football for Air Force, becoming one of the most dominant defensive players in program history. But upon graduating from the Academy, he faced an obligation to enter active duty, even though the Cowboys had selected him in the 11th round of the 1988 NFL draft. 

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For most players, that would have been the end of the dream. For Hennings, it was simply a delay.

After commissioning, he fulfilled his service commitment, flying missions and advancing through the ranks. But in 1992, as the Air Force underwent a post–Gulf War reduction in force, Hennings saw an opening. 

He returned to Dallas for a tryout to see whether he could still compete in the NFL after a four‑and‑a‑half‑year layoff.

His performance impressed head coach Jimmy Johnson, who told him the team wanted him and asked how soon he could join.

Hennings saluted, flew back to his base in England, and immediately submitted the necessary paperwork. 

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Three weeks later, he was out of the Air Force and back in the United States preparing for his first Cowboys training camp.

He flew his final mission over northern Iraq in 1992 — and played in the Super Bowl that same year.

That duality — service and sport — is what struck Fatima Palmer, an Army recruit whose parents are Mexican. 

Palmer said she became a Cowboys fan as a little girl, watching games on television with her father. Standing inside the team’s practice facility brought those memories rushing back.

“Being here and doing this at the Cowboys’ practice facilities brings back such nice memories,” she said. Hennings’ story, she added, reminded her that “it doesn’t matter where you come from, anything is possible.”

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Palmer and the rest of the troops soon headed onto the field to participate in the same drills college prospects complete at the NFL Scouting Combine: the 40‑yard dash, broad jump, three‑cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet and the quarterback arm challenge. 

Kevin Tenezaca, of the Army, competes in a running drill warm-up session. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Kevin Tenezaca, of the Army, competes in a running drill warm-up session. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News

For many, it was a chance to test their athleticism. For others, it was simply a moment to enjoy camaraderie outside the rigid structure of military life.

The frenetic 60 minutes of activity unfolded under Hennings’ supervision. 

His imposing 6‑foot‑6 frame moved from one end of the field to the other as he watched the troops closely, offering tips on how to refine their technique. 

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For Hennings, now 60, the moment represented the fusion of his two great passions: football and flying military aircraft.

“I’m one of those individuals who had the opportunity to experience both,” he said. “And that’s why I say it was an easy transition for me to go from active‑duty military to playing for the Cowboys. A lot of the same traits apply: mission focus, purpose, playing with your teammates, communicating with your teammates. All of those traits.”

The troops felt that connection, too. Vincent Coco, an E‑3 private first class, said the drills at The Star resembled his daily routine at Fort Hood.

“A lot of the stuff we did here today is stuff we do on a daily basis,” Coco said. “We’re always going out for a run, always putting on our plate carriers and going on weighted runs. So a lot of this resembles what we do. At least for me, it’s just another day.”

Tyler Cazy, from the Army, bolts from the starting line in the 40-yard dash challenge. He finished in 5.12 seconds. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Tyler Cazy, from the Army, bolts from the starting line in the 40-yard dash challenge. He finished in 5.12 seconds. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News

Hennings won Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII and XXX with Dallas. As a 26‑year‑old rookie, he played on special teams and quickly became a key reserve in one of the best defensive line rotations in the NFL. 

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He spent nine seasons with the team before retiring after injuries sidelined him for half of the 2000 season.

At The Star in Frisco, surrounded by service members who understood that pursuit intimately, Hennings found himself back in the middle of a team — not wearing a helmet or a flight suit, but offering the same lessons that carried him from the skies over Iraq to the biggest stage in American sports.

“Football and a career in the armed forces share the same objective,” Hennings said. “A training mission, a combat mission, or a game — ultimately leading to the Super Bowl. You want to be the best of the best.”

Jacob McGuff, center, was quite surprised to be presented a signed Dallas Cowboys Jake Ferguson game jersey by Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, left as Mark Cook, USAA’s Military Affairs representative joins in with the presentation. McGuff won the jersey after his ticket was drawn for a door prize. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Jacob McGuff, center, was quite surprised to be presented a signed Dallas Cowboys Jake Ferguson game jersey by Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, left as Mark Cook, USAA’s Military Affairs representative joins in with the presentation. McGuff won the jersey after his ticket was drawn for a door prize. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsCrystal Whitley, right, was elated to hear her ticket number read as a door prize winner as she nabbed a coveted game jersey signed by Dallas Cowboy kicker Brandon Aubrey. Ryder Kell, Cowboys Manager, Corporate Partnership marketing, Ryder Kell, left, made the presentation as Mark Cook, Military Affairs representative at USAA, shares in the excitement. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Crystal Whitley, right, was elated to hear her ticket number read as a door prize winner as she nabbed a coveted game jersey signed by Dallas Cowboy kicker Brandon Aubrey. Ryder Kell, Cowboys Manager, Corporate Partnership marketing, Ryder Kell, left, made the presentation as Mark Cook, Military Affairs representative at USAA, shares in the excitement. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsMark Cook, upper center, Retired Army Sergeant Major Military Affairs representative for USAA, speaks with military participants in the boot camp events. The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Mark Cook, upper center, Retired Army Sergeant Major Military Affairs representative for USAA, speaks with military participants in the boot camp events. The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsFernanda Garza, of the Army, finishes the 3-cone shuttle challenge event. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Fernanda Garza, of the Army, finishes the 3-cone shuttle challenge event. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsZack Simpkins, of the Air Force, netted a broad jump of 7’1’’ during one of the skill challenge stations. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Zack Simpkins, of the Air Force, netted a broad jump of 7’1’’ during one of the skill challenge stations. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsSmoky, a female black lab which serves as the 4-legged mascot for USAA, appears to have been drawn to a scent in the end zone, possibly from CeeDee Lamb’s cleats, as she is accompanied by her trainer, Chris Espinoza. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Smoky, a female black lab which serves as the 4-legged mascot for USAA, appears to have been drawn to a scent in the end zone, possibly from CeeDee Lamb’s cleats, as she is accompanied by her trainer, Chris Espinoza. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsPaola Rivera (Army) bolts from the starting line as she competes in the 40-yard dash drill. The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Paola Rivera (Army) bolts from the starting line as she competes in the 40-yard dash drill. The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsJaryn Adams (Army) sprints from the start in the 40-yard dash event as The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Jaryn Adams (Army) sprints from the start in the 40-yard dash event as The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsJacob McGuff (Air Force) prepares to launch a pass downfield during the QB Arm Challenge. The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Jacob McGuff (Air Force) prepares to launch a pass downfield during the QB Arm Challenge. The Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsMilitary members stretch before competing in a QB Arm Challenge event as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Military members stretch before competing in a QB Arm Challenge event as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsSmoky, a female black lab, listens intently to the direction of her trainer as the USAA’s 4-legged mascot was in attendance as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Smoky, a female black lab, listens intently to the direction of her trainer as the USAA’s 4-legged mascot was in attendance as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsDwayne Powell (Army) takes a breather between drills as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dwayne Powell (Army) takes a breather between drills as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, center in third row, poses for a photo as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with former Cowboys defensive lineman Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings, center in third row, poses for a photo as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with former Cowboys defensive lineman Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares his inspirational story as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares his inspirational story as the Dallas Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares a bit of his inspiring life story of how he went from a decorated career in the Air Force to a legendary career in the NFL. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares a bit of his inspiring life story of how he went from a decorated career in the Air Force to a legendary career in the NFL. The Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills with Cowboys legend Chad Hennings and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares his inspiring story as the Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings shares his inspiring story as the Cowboys and USAA hosted 100 Dallas area-based military members the opportunity to participate in NFL drills and compete for game tickets. The exclusive event was held inside Ford Center at The Star, in Frisco, on August 31, 2026.

Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News