BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer Invests $3.6 Million to Open Shelter for Homeless Youth in Da….
Dallas, TX – June 17, 2025 — In a powerful and heartfelt move that transcends the game of football, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has invested a staggering $3.6 million of his own money to establish a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The facility, named “The Next Play Youth Center,” is set to officially open its doors this summer, offering safety, resources, and hope to hundreds of disadvantaged young people across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The announcement, made during an emotional press conference held at the site of the newly renovated center in South Dallas, was met with overwhelming praise from the local community, city officials, and even NFL players and coaches nationwide. Schottenheimer, whose family has deep NFL roots, described the initiative as “the most important play I’ve ever called.”
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
Schottenheimer, 51, is widely known for his football IQ, leadership, and competitive nature on the sidelines. But behind the Xs and Os, lies a man driven by compassion and a lifelong commitment to service. During the press conference, Schottenheimer shared his inspiration for the project:
> “Football has blessed me with so much, but it’s the human stories that stay with you. Every day, I drive past streets where kids have no home, no direction, and no support. I couldn’t ignore it anymore. This is my way of giving back to a city that’s embraced me and to a generation that needs someone to believe in them.”
The Next Play Youth Center is more than just a shelter — it’s a complete support ecosystem. The center will offer:
Temporary and transitional housing for up to 100 youth aged 13–21
Mental health counseling and trauma recovery services
Academic tutoring and GED prep programs
Life skills workshops and career readiness training
Athletic and recreational programs, including a full gymnasium and fitness center
On-site healthcare and nutrition programs
The facility is designed to serve as a launchpad for long-term stability, providing wraparound services that help at-risk youth build sustainable futures, all while giving them a safe, nurturing environment to heal and grow.
A Personal Mission
The project is particularly personal for Schottenheimer, whose late father, Marty Schottenheimer — a legendary NFL coach — was known for his commitment to community work off the field.
> “My dad taught me that leadership means nothing if it doesn’t include compassion,” Schottenheimer said. “This is about using whatever platform I have to stand up for kids who’ve been knocked down too many times. This is their second chance. Their next play.”
In an emotional moment during the event, Schottenheimer introduced a formerly homeless teen named Jalen Rivera, who shared how mentorship and shelter saved his life after he was abandoned at 16.
> “People like Coach Schottenheimer give kids like me a shot at life,” Jalen said. “This center will change everything for so many of us.”
Cowboys Organization and NFL Peers Voice Support
The Dallas Cowboys organization fully backed Schottenheimer’s initiative. Team owner Jerry Jones released a statement applauding his coordinator’s “unparalleled generosity and vision.”
> “Brian represents the best of what the Cowboys stand for — excellence, community, and compassion,” Jones stated. “We’re proud to stand beside him as he builds something that will outlast any championship ring.”
Several current Cowboys players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, have already pledged to support the center through fundraisers and mentorship programs.
> “Coach Schotty has always had our backs on the field,” Prescott said. “Now, he’s showing he has this city’s back, too. I can’t wait to be involved.”
City of Dallas Commits Support
The city of Dallas has also pledged additional funding and long-term partnership with the Next Play Youth Center. Mayor Eric Johnson was present at the event and called the shelter a “turning point in the city’s fight against youth homelessness.”
> “This is the kind of bold, human-focused leadership we need,” the Mayor stated. “Coach Schottenheimer is showing what real civic responsibility looks like.”
The city estimates that over 1,000 youth experience homelessness in Dallas on any given night. With resources stretched thin, the Next Play Youth Center is expected to immediately relieve pressure on existing services while introducing a more holistic, education- and recovery-based approach to the issue.
Looking Ahead
Construction on the center began earlier this year, and the $3.6 million investment has gone into property renovation, staffing, and initial programming. Schottenheimer has formed a board of directors that includes educators, former NFL players, mental health professionals, and youth advocates. The center will officially open on August 5, 2025, with an inaugural community open house featuring Cowboys players and local performers.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing, with plans to expand the facility and create satellite programs in surrounding counties. Schottenheimer also hinted at launching a national foundation focused on combating youth homelessness in NFL cities across the country.
A Legacy Beyond Football
As the NFL gears up for another competitive season, Brian Schottenheimer’s playbook is proving that the most significant victories can happen far from the stadium lights. While he’ll continue his duties with the Cowboys, his investment in youth, safety, and hope might become the most enduring part of his legacy.
> “Football is a game,” Schottenheimer said, closing the press conference. “But life — real life — is about how we show up for each other. This is my way of showing up.”
For more information on how to support the Next Play Youth Center or to volunteer, visit www.nextplaydallas.org.
By: SportHubs Report
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