GS. Cowboys Seventh-Round Rookie Misses Entire Season to Care for Mother Battling Cancer
Dallas, TX – The Cowboys entered 2025 hoping their rookie class could provide fresh depth behind their veteran core. But for one late-round pick, football has been forced to take a back seat to something far more important.
The organization confirmed that rookie running back Phil Mafah, selected in the 7th round (Pick 239) out of Clemson, will miss his entire first NFL season after being placed on injured reserve. Officially, the move was tied to a preseason hamstring setback — but privately, the circumstances run much deeper.
Mafah aggravated the injury during Dallas’ preseason matchup and was waived/injured shortly after, reverting to injured reserve days later. But behind the scenes, the rookie was quietly balancing football with a heartbreaking reality at home.
In a statement shared through the team, Mafah said:
“Football has always been my dream, but family is my life. Right now, my mom needs me more than the Cowboys do — and I’m grateful this organization understands and gives me the chance to be there for her.”
At Clemson, Mafah was known for his power running style, physical downhill presence, and reliability in short-yardage situations. Dallas viewed him as a developmental rotational back who could grow into a bigger role behind their established starters.
While he did not log any preseason carries before the injury, coaches saw enough promise in his tape and training camp flashes to believe he could be part of the future running back room.
Instead, his rookie year will be remembered not for carries or touchdowns, but for sacrifice and devotion.
Cowboys players and coaches publicly supported Mafah’s decision, praising the maturity and strength it took to prioritize his mother’s cancer battle over his NFL debut. Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized that the Cowboys’ culture “puts people first,” a sentiment echoed across the locker room.
Mafah’s journey in Dallas is paused, not ended. And while he won’t play a snap in 2025, he has already earned the respect of Cowboys Nation — proving that some of the most courageous acts in football happen far from the field.
