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Caleb Downs is starting to feel the difference between surviving an NFL practice and actually owning the moment. After weeks of getting thrown into new situations, the Dallas Cowboys rookie says his confidence has started to climb. And Downs has a simple explanation for why. He believes confidence and success feed each other. To explain it, the No. 11 overall pick turned to a lesson from one of boxing’s most famous names: Mike Tyson. Caleb Downs And Dallas Cowboys Build Confidence One Rep At A Time Downs reflected on his first training camp in Oxnard, California, after the Cowboys wrapped up its West Coast stay. The rookie safety said he learned plenty, yet the biggest takeaway was how much more comfortable he became. That growth matters for a player expected to have a major role in Christian Parker’s revamped defense. “I feel like it went well. I learned a lot, and got more confident. That’s the biggest thing. I’m just ready to go compete.” “Mike Tyson said success breeds confidence and confidence breeds success. I feel like those two work together. When you win at things, and you do good at things, it allows you to feel more confident. And then when you succeed, it just continues to grow from there.” Caleb Downs: “I feel like (training camp in California) went well. I learned a lot, and got more confident. That’s the biggest thing. I’m just ready to go compete.” He later added: “Mike Tyson said success breeds confidence and confidence breeds success. I feel like those two… — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 21, 2026 Downs has already been asked to do plenty. In Dallas’ preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, he started at nickel before also getting looks at safety. That versatility has been a major part of his development, especially with Parker moving him around rather than locking him into one spot. The competition has been just as useful. Downs has spent camp seeing CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens across from him, while the Cowboys’ joint work with the Los Angeles Rams brought another test against Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. For a rookie defensive back, there are not many better ways to find out what needs fixing. Downs sees those reps as a crash course in becoming an NFL player. He is not simply learning the defense but figuring out how he needs to play, what type of energy he needs to bring, and which techniques allow him to make plays against professional receivers. For the 21-year-old, the formula is already starting to show itself. Every good rep gives him another reason to trust his preparation. That confidence then makes the next rep easier to attack. It is a useful mindset for a rookie stepping into a defense that needs playmakers. Downs was a three-time All-American in college and won the Jim Thorpe Award at Ohio State, but none of that guarantees success in the NFL. The Cowboys traded up to No. 11 to get him. They did not draft Downs to simply learn quietly in the background; however, they expect him to make an impact, and judging by the confidence he is building in camp, Downs seems ready to find out how quickly that can happen. Related reading: Najee Harris Signing Comes With Clear Expectation as Giants Prepare for Crowded Backfield Dallas Cowboys: Lackluster 3rd-Round Pick Is a Likely Trade Candidate Fans Target Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa With Ruthless Jokes After Joint Practice Video Dion Dawkins Refuses To Believe 1 Thing About Browns QB Deshaun Watson