Gartree Greene Makes Major Decision Regarding NFL Combine Participation in Powerful Statement to WVU Mountaineers, While Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Clears the Air on Draft Intentions, Setting the Stage for Greene’s Future in the NFL
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, one of the most anticipated prospects, Gartree Greene, a standout linebacker from West Virginia University (WVU), has been making waves with his recent statement about his intentions for the NFL Combine.
In an unexpected announcement, Greene revealed that he would not be participating in the upcoming Combine despite having been widely considered a potential first-round pick. The decision comes at a time when NFL teams, particularly those in need of defensive reinforcements, have been heavily scouting Greene due to his phenomenal performances during the college season. The timing of his statement, however, is as important as the decision itself.
While Greene has generated tremendous buzz across the league, the decision not to attend the Combine has left many speculating. To further complicate matters, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a key figure in the NFL’s scouting community, addressed rumors concerning his interest in Greene’s draft stock and clarified his team’s stance on the linebacker’s potential future with the Cowboys. Both Greene’s statement and Jones’ clarification add a layer of intrigue to an already crowded draft landscape and have raised questions about how this story will unfold over the coming weeks.
Gartree Greene’s Statement to the WVU Mountaineers
Greene’s statement to the WVU Mountaineers came as a surprise to many, especially considering the growing consensus that he could be one of the top defensive prospects available in the 2025 draft. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range, aggressive tackling style, and intelligence on the field, Greene has been a cornerstone for WVU’s defense throughout his college career. In a heartfelt letter to his teammates, coaches, and the entire Mountaineers’ fanbase, Greene explained that while he was grateful for the opportunity to showcase his talents at the Combine, he felt it was in his best interest to forgo participation in the event.
“After much thought and prayer, I’ve made the decision to not attend the NFL Combine this year. I’ve always believed in letting my game speak for itself,” Greene said in his statement. “The Combine is a tremendous opportunity for many, but for me, I feel that my work at WVU has already showcased what I can do at the next level. I’ve had the privilege to play alongside some of the best teammates and coaches, and my focus now is on continuing to work with my team, refining my game, and preparing for whatever comes next. Thank you, Mountaineers, for everything—let’s keep pushing forward as one.”
The tone of the statement was reflective and respectful, yet also resolute. Greene made it clear that he was not withdrawing from the draft process entirely, but instead was taking a different path in preparing for the next chapter of his career. It became apparent that Greene’s decision was influenced not just by his desire to avoid the highly scrutinized Combine process, but also by his confidence in his abilities, his experiences at WVU, and his trust in his own preparation.
The Impact of Greene’s Decision
While Greene’s decision to skip the Combine has raised eyebrows, it is important to remember that Combine performance is only one factor in a player’s draft stock. Over the past several years, several high-profile players have chosen to bypass the event, relying on their college tape and individual workouts to make their case for the NFL. Greene, with his impressive college career, is no different. However, the fact that he’s making such a statement in a season when the linebacker position is being closely watched speaks to the level of confidence he has in his skill set and his belief that he doesn’t need to prove anything further.
For the teams that are most likely to target Greene—those in need of a versatile, intelligent, and impactful linebacker—the decision might not be as significant as it appears on the surface. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots have already seen plenty of film on Greene and have watched him take over games during his time at WVU. Scouts have praised Greene’s versatility, leadership, and explosive athleticism, all traits that are highly coveted at the NFL level. His decision not to attend the Combine simply means that these teams will have to continue to evaluate him based on his performance on the field and the one-on-one workouts he schedules in the weeks leading up to the draft.
Ultimately, for a player like Greene, who has already demonstrated a rare combination of skills and instincts, the Combine might not be the make-or-break event that it is for others. While it may be a blow to those who wanted to see him perform in person against other top prospects, Greene has the kind of resume that speaks for itself.
Jerry Jones’ Clarification on Draft Intentions
In the midst of the swirling rumors surrounding Greene’s draft decision, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones weighed in with a public statement addressing the ongoing speculation regarding his team’s interest in the linebacker. Jones, who has been heavily involved in the team’s scouting efforts, clarified the Cowboys’ position on the potential draft selection of Greene and explained the factors that would go into their decision-making process.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions regarding linebackers in this draft, and Gartree Greene is certainly someone who has caught our attention. The kid’s instincts, his leadership on the field, and his ability to make plays in crucial moments are things that we value highly,” Jones said. “But I think the Combine is often an overblown event. What really matters is how these players fit with the culture we’ve built here in Dallas, their commitment to the game, and their potential to grow. We’re not going to make any rush decisions, but rest assured, we’re keeping a very close eye on him.”
Jones’ comments come at a time when the Cowboys’ defense has undergone some changes, and the team is looking to add dynamic playmakers to their linebacker corps. Greene, with his high football IQ, physicality, and ability to read offenses, would fit into Dallas’ system very well. While Jones was careful not to reveal too much, his remarks made it clear that the Cowboys were considering Greene as a possible target, though they would not base their decision solely on one player’s performance at the Combine.
“At the end of the day, it’s about what they do on Sundays,” Jones continued. “Gartree Greene has proven himself time and time again. We’ll take the time we need, and we’ll make a decision based on all the information, not just one event or one test.”
Jones’ statement sent a clear message to both Greene and the rest of the NFL: the Cowboys are interested, but they are not going to be swayed by a single event or combine result. The Cowboys have a deep understanding of what Greene brings to the table, and their evaluation process is far more complex than just a set of numbers from an athletic test. This comment from Jones, in many ways, reflects a larger trend within the NFL where teams are placing more value on game tape, character, and fit rather than Combine performances alone.
The Road Ahead for Gartree Greene
With the Combine now behind him, Greene will likely schedule a series of private workouts with NFL teams, where his skills and character will be tested in a more controlled environment. This gives him an opportunity to showcase himself in a way that is more personalized and less under the microscope than at the Combine. Teams will also continue to watch his game film, paying particular attention to how he handled big moments in crucial games. For a player like Greene, who has consistently performed in high-pressure situations, these private sessions will give teams the opportunity to gauge his readiness for the next level in a more comprehensive way.
The decision not to attend the NFL Combine may have raised some eyebrows, but it’s unlikely to hurt Greene’s stock in any significant way. If anything, it reinforces his confidence and his belief that his abilities on the field are what matter most. For teams like the Cowboys, Dolphins, and others with linebacker needs, they are more than aware of his talent and will do whatever they can to make the best decision possible.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will remain on Greene, a player who has proven that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Whether he ends up with the Cowboys or another team, one thing is certain: Gartree Greene’s future in the NFL is bright, and this decision is just the beginning of a long and successful career.
