IRVING, Texas - He's the newest player at the position. He's physically the smallest. He's certainly the oldest. And he's not even expected to start.
Yet, make no mistake, the Cowboys have a new leader at cornerback.
Just like that, 12-year veteran Aaron Glenn slides right into an important role for the Cowboys, who have struggled to find consistency at cornerback for several years. While Glenn is one of two new players signed to bolster the position this off-season - Anthony Henry the other - he knows his wealth of knowledge can be put to good use.
"I might be the new guy, or whatever they want to say," Glenn said. "But I don't feel like a new guy. I guess, it's being here with Bill (Parcells) again, and seeing guys like Keyshawn (Johnson). This might be a new team, but I feel like I've seen it all and heard it all. I just want to come in here, bond with my new teammates and try to get us all on the same page as quick as possible."
Yes, playing for the Cowboys will be a new experience for Glenn, who couldn't wrestle No. 31 away from Roy Williams and will wear a new number - No. 26 - for the first time since high school. But that's about the bulk of the big changes the cornerback is expecting this fall.
He is yet another of many former Parcells' players rejoining their coach for one more crack at success. Glenn spent his first eight years with the Jets, including the three (1997-99) when Parcells served as head coach. In fact, Glenn earned two of his three Pro Bowl selections while playing under Parcells, and said rejoining him once again is not a coincidence.
"Oh no, I'm here because he's here," said Glenn, who grew up in Humble, Texas, near Houston. "There are some other factors. I feel like (Texas) is home. And I know some of these guys already. But there's something about playing for a guy like him. He demands your respect and you just feed off that. You know exactly what he wants from you and all you have to do is give it your all. To me, it's easy to play for a guy like that. That's why it was an easy decision for me."
After playing three seasons for Houston, the Texans released him for salary cap reasons back in April. But Glenn wasn't out of work for more than a day, the Cowboys quickly signing him to a two-year deal.
Glenn might have started 163 games during his 12-year career, but he's not coming to the Cowboys looking to start. Of course, if that happens, that will be fine with him. But for now, he's got another, even simpler goal in mind.
"I just want to compete - that's all," Glenn said. "I just want to come here and work every day. Just try to get better. You can always get better. It doesn't matter how long you've been playing."
Glenn was working with the second-team defense in the veteran mini-camp behind Henry and Terence Newman. But when the Cowboys move into the nickel, Glenn is expected to play on the outside, with Newman sliding into the slot.
"Whatever they want me to do, I'll do it," Glenn said. "But it's too early to figure out who's starting and all that. But I know there's a role for me here. Somehow, I know I can help."
