Daryl Johnston | ep. 15
Why Fullbacks Still Matter
Lessons from Daryl “Moose” Johnston on Football, Grit, and the Heart of the Game
In a football landscape dominated by spread offenses, shotgun formations, and blazing-fast athletes, one position has slowly drifted toward obscurity: the fullback. But on this week’s episode of Why Fullbacks Still Matter, legendary Dallas Cowboys fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston reminds us why that evolution might be overlooking something essential — not just in football tactics, but in the sport’s very soul.
The Fade and the Foundation
The episode begins with a clear thesis: despite their declining presence on modern NFL rosters, fullbacks bring a kind of physicality and team-first mentality that can’t be easily replaced. Johnston — a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler — discusses the rise of faster, pass-heavy schemes and how that shift has marginalized the traditional “lead blocker.”
But he doesn’t mourn that change — he reframes it.
Instead of seeing the fullback as an anachronism, Johnston argues that the skills the position champions — toughness, selfless teamwork, and physical dominance — are evergreen fundamentals that elite offenses still crave. His point resonates far beyond Xs and Os: football still needs players willing to do the dirty work that doesn’t show up in highlight reels.
Moose Knows Blocking Isn’t Boring
Johnston’s career with the Cowboys in the 1990s is legendary for a reason. As Emmitt Smith barreled toward the NFL’s all-time rushing crown, Johnston wasn’t out there chasing yards — he was clearing the path for others to achieve greatness. His blocking prowess wasn’t just functional; it was foundational to Dallas’s dynasty years.
That’s why the episode isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Johnston breaks down how blocking techniques, situational awareness, and physical play at the line of scrimmage still influence how today’s offenses operate, and why teams that lean into those strengths — like Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, which have creatively repurposed defensive players into fullback-type roles — might gain a strategic edge.
Leadership and Intangibles
Where the episode truly shines is in the way Johnston ties the fullback role to leadership — both on and off the field.
He speaks candidly about:
how the mindset of a fullback translates to team culture
why roles that require unselfish habits can shape locker room chemistry
and how modern players who embrace those traits — even without classic fullback titles — continue the legacy
There’s something almost philosophical in how he frames the position: the fullback isn’t defined by snaps on the stat sheet, but by impact on others.
Relevance Beyond Football
Even if you’re not a die-hard NFL fan, this episode offers more than an analysis of playbooks. It’s about valuing the work behind the scenes, the unseen effort that allows others to shine, and the idea that every role — no matter how humble — contributes to success. That’s a lesson that resonates in business, relationships, and personal growth as much as in sports.
Final Takeaway
So why do fullbacks still matter?
Not because they’ll suddenly dominate offensive playbooks again — but because the qualities they embody are timeless. Johnston’s conversation is a powerful reminder that football, at its best, is more than stats and schemes. It’s grit, it’s sacrifice, and it’s honoring the roles that make collective success possible.
If you haven’t listened yet, this episode is worth your time — whether you’re a longtime fan of “Moose” or simply curious about what the heart of football sounds like.