‘Fear-Based Culture!’ Would All-Pro Eric Kendricks Sign with Cowboys & 'Jerk' Mike Zimmer?

When Minnesota fired Zimmer in January 2022, Kendricks didn’t hold back when asked about his relationship with the boss, saying that the team lacked “a culture where communication is put at the forefront. … it’s important to listen up and take each other’s opinions into account.

“I don’t think a fear-based organization is the way to go.”

That remark doesn’t necessary mean Kendricks and Zimmer would have a problem reuniting. Kendricks succeeded in Zimmer’s defense and was a team captain. There were positives.

“We put a lot of work in together, and we had a great run,” Kendricks said then of him and Zimmer.

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

This really circles back to the Zimmer introductory press conference last month here at The Star during which the coach talked of his reputation as a “jerk.” ... noting that he's received a large volume of "thank you'' messages from his former players.

Maybe Kendricks feels that way about Zimmer - that he’s more than just a “non-communicative jerk.” Heck, maybe Kendricks was one of those text-senders. Or maybe, for all we know at this early stage, Zimmer thinks Kendricks might be out of gas as a player.

For certain, Kendricks would fit Zimmer's defensive system, which is being installed in Dallas right now. But that doesn't mean for sure that Kendricks wants to fit into Zimmer's "culture'' at The Star.

We will, however, give the last word to Zim's new boss, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

"He's no bull***. He's straight talk,'' said Jones, who was then asked if the Cowboys in particular need that. "I think everybody needs some of that."