Ryan Flournoy eyes 2026 breakout while hoping to start this new Cowboys tradition

Ryan Flournoy wants a new tradition in Dallas.

The third-year receiver spoke to members of the media after Monday’s practice in Oxnard, California, and explained that Miles Austin and Amari Cooper’s history with No. 19 played a role in his decision to wear the number. Flournoy also shared his hopes of establishing a new Cowboys tradition with the number, saying, “[They were] kind of one of the reasons I picked 19…Miles Austin was in 19. Amari Cooper was in 19…they got the 88 tradition. Let's do the 19 tradition.”

Flournoy was, of course, referring to arguably the most iconic number in Cowboys history. For generations, No. 88 has represented the highest standard for a receiver in Dallas, carrying both prestige and enormous expectations. First came Drew Pearson, followed by Michael Irvin, Dez Bryant, and, currently, CeeDee Lamb. Together, the four have combined for four Super Bowl titles and 16 Pro Bowl selections, with Pearson and Irvin enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As for No. 19, Austin starred while wearing the number during his eight seasons in Dallas after switching from No. 14 in 2007 following his rookie season. He was named to consecutive Pro Bowls in 2009 and 2010 and finished his Cowboys tenure with 5,273 yards and 37 touchdowns. Cooper was acquired in a trade with the Raiders midway through 2018 and shined in No. 19 during his four seasons in Dallas. In 56 games with the Cowboys, Cooper logged 3,893 yards, 27 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl selection.

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Flournoy was selected by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After a rookie season in which he appeared in 11 games and recorded just 102 yards, he was waived in August 2025. He proceeded to clear waivers and re-sign with the Cowboys to join their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in September and never looked back. Flournoy ended up finishing fourth on the team in receptions (40) and receiving yards (475), as well as third in receiving touchdowns (4).

Entering 2026, Flournoy has firmly established himself as the Cowboys’ third receiver behind the All-Pro duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and he looks poised to take the next step in head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s system as he aims to become the next great No. 19 in Dallas.

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The Dallas Cowboys open the 2026 regular season on September 13 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.