Dallas Cowboys Star Applauds Cincinnati Bengals’ Edge Rusher Shemar Stewart: “This Guy Is Violent”

In the world of professional football, one of the highest compliments a player can receive is praise from a seasoned veteran, especially someone from a rival team. Recently, a Dallas Cowboys star gave high praise to Cincinnati Bengals’ emerging edge rusher, Shemar Stewart, describing him as “violent” on the field. This compliment speaks volumes about Stewart’s playing style and the potential he brings to the Bengals’ defense.
While Stewart, a former standout at Texas A&M, is still transitioning into the NFL after being drafted, he has already garnered attention for his relentless, aggressive approach to the game. The recognition from an opponent, particularly one who is familiar with high-level defensive play, highlights the respect Stewart is quickly earning across the league.
Shemar Stewart’s NFL Arrival
Shemar Stewart was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the aim of bolstering their pass rush and further improving their defensive line. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 310 pounds, Stewart possesses the size and physicality that makes him a major force in both defending the run and rushing the passer. During his time at Texas A&M, he demonstrated a rare blend of power, agility, and technique that made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Stewart’s college career was filled with impressive moments, the true test will be how he adapts to the NFL. The competition is fiercer, the offenses are more sophisticated, and the demands on defenders are higher than ever. But if his performance continues to mirror the “violent” nature of his play that’s been described by many, including the Cowboys star, then the Bengals will have secured a player who could significantly elevate their defense for years to come.
What Does “Violent” Mean on the Field?
When a player is described as “violent,” it typically refers to their tenacity, intensity, and relentless nature. For Stewart, this is a reflection of his playing style. “Violent” in this context doesn’t mean reckless, but rather a ferocious approach to every snap, where the defender is consistently looking to overwhelm and overpower opponents. Stewart uses his size and strength to disrupt offensive schemes, whether it’s by bulldozing through blockers, making a hard-hitting tackle, or pressuring the quarterback with unrelenting force.
This intensity is one of the primary reasons Stewart has already turned heads in the NFL, even before taking a snap in a regular season game. A “violent” player is one who dominates the line of scrimmage and forces offenses to adjust to their presence. Stewart’s style makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen who must deal with his power and speed at the same time. That type of force can often change the flow of a game, and it’s clear that Stewart has the potential to do just that for the Bengals.
Praise from a Rival: A Testament to Stewart’s Impact
When a player from an opposing team, such as the Dallas Cowboys, praises an opposing team’s player, it underscores the respect they have for that player’s abilities. In this case, the Cowboys player’s comments are especially notable because the Cowboys’ defense is known for being one of the most formidable in the NFL. The fact that someone from that side of the ball can recognize the potential danger Stewart poses speaks volumes about the type of player the Bengals have added to their roster.
The Dallas Cowboys have consistently fielded one of the most talented and well-coached defenses in the NFL. With players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys know what it takes to be disruptive and dominant on defense. So, when a Cowboys player describes Stewart as “violent,” it is not just a casual compliment—it is a recognition of his potential to be a game-changing force.
For the Bengals, this is precisely the type of praise they were hoping for when they selected Stewart in the draft. His aggressive, physical style is exactly what the team needed to bolster its pass rush and fortify its defense as a whole. With the Bengals seeking to compete for a championship, a “violent” edge rusher like Stewart is a crucial piece of their puzzle.
Stewart’s Impact on the Bengals’ Defense
The Bengals have been building a strong defense over the past few seasons, with key players such as Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard anchoring the defensive line. However, the addition of Stewart gives the team even more firepower. A player like Stewart, who can generate consistent pressure from the edge, can help take the Bengals’ defensive line to new heights.
Stewart’s physical presence allows the Bengals to use him in various ways, either as a traditional defensive end or as a more versatile rusher in different defensive sets. His ability to rush from both the inside and the outside gives defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo more options when devising schemes to pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses.
For a team like the Bengals, whose defense has been steadily improving but still seeks to be elite, Stewart’s impact can be profound. The ability to pressure quarterbacks is one of the most important factors in modern NFL defenses, and with the addition of Stewart, the Bengals now have another player capable of providing consistent pressure in the trenches. This is a critical asset when facing elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses.
The Mentorship of McKinnley Jackson
For Stewart to fully reach his potential, mentorship will play a vital role. McKinnley Jackson, a key defensive tackle for the Bengals, has been known for his leadership on and off the field. Jackson’s experience and knowledge of the NFL game will be invaluable to Stewart as he navigates his rookie season.
Jackson has already expressed his excitement about working with Stewart, noting that he believes the young edge rusher has the talent and work ethic to make a significant impact. Jackson himself is known for his tenacity and grit on the field, so it’s no surprise that he sees similar qualities in Stewart.
As Stewart adapts to the NFL, Jackson’s mentorship will help him improve not only his technical skills but also his understanding of the nuances of the game. The transition from college to the pros can be challenging, but with Jackson’s guidance, Stewart will have the support he needs to succeed at the highest level.
A Bright Future for Stewart and the Bengals
With a “violent” edge rusher like Shemar Stewart in the fold, the Bengals are poised to take their defense to the next level. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, disrupt the run game, and create chaos on the defensive front gives the Bengals a player who can be a game-changer for years to come.
Stewart’s presence on the field will undoubtedly make life more difficult for opposing offenses, especially in a division like the AFC North, which is known for its tough, hard-nosed football. The Bengals have made significant strides in recent seasons, and with the addition of Stewart, they look like a team that can contend for a Super Bowl.
If Stewart continues to play with the same level of intensity and aggression that has already earned him praise from a Dallas Cowboys star, there’s no doubt that he will develop into one of the most feared edge rushers in the league. As he grows in the Bengals’ system, Stewart’s “violent” style of play could become a cornerstone of the team’s defensive identity.
Shemar Stewart’s journey in the NFL is just beginning, but the early signs point to a promising future. His “violent” playing style, praised by a Dallas Cowboys star, highlights the unique blend of power, speed, and aggression that Stewart brings to the field. For the Cincinnati Bengals, Stewart represents both the present and the future of their defensive front. With the leadership of McKinnley Jackson and the talent surrounding him, Stewart has all the tools to become a key figure in the Bengals’ pursuit of a championship.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, the Bengals will rely on their defense to continue improving and staying competitive in the highly competitive AFC. With players like Stewart, who can disrupt the opposition with physicality and relentless pursuit, the Bengals are on track to solidify themselves as one of the most feared defenses in the league. The praise from a rival player only solidifies the belief that Shemar Stewart is poised for a successful career in Cincinnati, and the Bengals are fortunate to have such a dynamic talent on their roster.