Former Rocket Barry Church plays Hall of Fame Game

CANTON, Ohio – Former Toledo safety Barry Church played in his first professional game on Sunday, as his Dallas Cowboys topped the Cincinnati Bengals 16-7 in the NFL's preseason opener at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium.

"It was the most nervous thing I've ever done in my life," Church said. "But once I got that first hit in, it was all the same. It felt like I was back at Toledo again."

Church's first hit came on his first play for the Cowboys, as he entered the game on their second defensive possession and helped wrap up newly-signed Bengal Terrell Owens.

"Our corner Jamar Wall held him up for a little bit and I just came through as fast as I could and laid a good hit on him," Church said. "My first NFL hit—it felt great."

Church recorded four tackles in the game (three solo) playing on 10 of Dallas' defensive series, including a touchdown-saving tackle on a 63-yard punt return by Cincinnati rookie wide receiver Jordan Shipley at the two-yard line.

"I'd give my performance a ‘B-‘right now," Church said. "I felt like I did good on the coverages. I didn't mess up any coverages, but I missed one tackle so I grade it down to a ‘B-'."

Church also had a third-quarter opportunity for an interception after a pass by Bengals quarterback Jordan Palmer was tipped in the secondary, but it went over his head and through his hands.

"It was a lot harder [to intercept] than it looked," Church said. "The ball was coming so fast. It was tipped up, and the ball went right through my fingertips. Man… that was my chance to make a big play, but I'll make up for it next week."

The four-time 1^st team All-MAC performer was utilized all over the field in the game, playing his typical strong safety spot, kickoff and punt coverage and on the punt block team both rushing the punter and blocking the gunners.

"I can do both [defense and special teams] all game but man I was tired," Church said. "Especially on that Jordan Shipley return I had to take him down around the five-yard line then go play out on defense—it was tiring."

While on special teams Church did come close to getting a blocked punt on Cincinnati rookie Kevin Huber but couldn't reach him in time.

"Almost," Church said. "I was coming off that edge and [the blocker] got just enough of me."

With the Cowboys grabbing national attention due to first-round pick Dez Bryant's unwillingness to carry fellow receiver Roy Williams' pads, Church has said that he has yet to experience much rookie hazing.

"Not yet," Church said. "A couple shoulder pads going into the locker room here and there, I had to go to the rookie sing along, but other than that—we still need to go to Oxnard in 2 weeks."

Since signing as an undrafted free agent with Dallas in the offseason, Chuch has climbed his way to second on the Cowboys depth chart behind six-year veteran Gerald Sensabaugh. Dallas plays next at home against Oakland on Aug. 12 at 8 p.m.