Undrafted Zion Childress Makes the Cut for the Cowboys

It’s been a few years since I spoke with Jacob Tamme at Kentucky Football Pro Day. One line from that conversation has always stuck with me. “Everybody gets a chance. It doesn’t matter if you’re a second round pick or go undrafted, it’s about making the most of that chance.” Zion Childress did just that.

NFL rosters were trimmed from 90 players to 53 and the former Kentucky defensive back proved that he deserves a chance to play on Sundays. He did not hear his name called in the NFL Draft, but made plenty of plays to earn a spot on the Dallas Cowboys roster. He is one of 10 defensive backs who will have a star on their helmets for the opening game of the 2025 NFL season.

Childress had six tackles during the 2025 NFL preseason. That’s not an accurate reflection of the impact he made on games, primarily playing out of the nickel. He was sticky in coverage and disruptive during training camp. Childress’ one-handed interception was one of the first eye-opening highlights of the preseason for America’s Team.

It may be hyperbole to say that it’s every kid from Texas’ dream to suit up for the Cowboys, but it’s gotta be cool for the New Caney native to earn a roster spot in Dallas. He’s a player who had to earn it the hard way.

Childress was a high school quarterback. He learned his craft in the secondary at Texas State. Childress transferred to Kentucky ahead of the 2022 season and earned his way into a starting role over his final two seasons in Lexington. A natural havoc-creator, he was a bad call away from becoming a Kentucky icon when his pick-six against Georgia was overturned.

Over three seasons at Kentucky, Childress was named a team captain twice. He tallied 148 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, and an interception during his time in Lexington. Now we’ll get to see him shine on Sundays, maybe sooner rather than later. The Cowboys are dealing with injuries in the secondary. He made the most of his preseason opportunity. Hopefully, Kentucky fans will see him when the season opens against the Eagles on Thursday, Sept. 4.

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