Squirrels Swarm Dallas Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer's Home, Go Viral
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Brian Schottenheimer’s Home Again Becomes the Focus of a Viral Animal Invasion
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line coach and former NFL assistant, Brian Schottenheimer, found himself on the internet’s “who‑did‑this” radar yet again when a sudden, unexpected animal invasion struck his suburban home. The event, which has been labeled a “viral animal invasion” on social media, saw a sizeable group of squirrels – or perhaps raccoons, depending on who you ask – swarm into the Schottenheimer family’s kitchen, causing chaos, a dash of amusement, and a flurry of online commentary.
The Incident
On a quiet Saturday afternoon, Schottenheimer’s wife, Melissa, was preparing dinner when the sound of frantic squeaking and rustling burst through the kitchen door. The family’s pets – a golden retriever named “Maverick” and a cat named “Shadow” – scattered in alarm as a swarm of gray‑eyed creatures burst through the open windows and doorways. The squirrels, according to the footage that went viral on TikTok and Instagram, were seen darting between countertops, rummaging through cabinets, and even attempting to chew on a slice of pepperoni pizza that had been left on the counter.
Within minutes, neighbors had joined the fray. Video footage from a neighbor’s phone shows the animals performing what many have described as a “squirrel ballet,” leaping from table to table and, in one particularly memorable moment, a small squirrel perched on a stack of kitchen towels. The video was uploaded to Instagram with the caption “Our house has been invaded by the best little thieves in town” and quickly amassed thousands of likes and comments. The clip went on to become part of a trending “Animal Invasion” challenge that has seen similar footage from other households around the country.
Schottenheimer’s Reaction
The incident did not escape the attention of Schottenheimer himself. In a brief Instagram Story, the former NFL assistant expressed both humor and frustration. “You’ve got to admit, it’s a good show,” he quipped, while a clip of the squirrels in his living room played in the background. “I just wish I could get the ball back.”
When asked about how he plans to prevent a repeat, Schottenheimer said he was exploring a range of solutions, from installing motion‑activated sprinklers to sealing windows and installing a “squirrel‑proof” pet door. “I’m not a squirrel expert, but I know I’ll have to put my defensive coaching mindset to work,” he added.
A Repeat of a Viral Moment
Schottenheimer’s home invasion is not his first foray into the viral animal invasion spotlight. In 2021, a separate incident involving a raccoon break‑in garnered attention after a neighbor posted a video of the critter raiding a storage shed on Facebook. That footage, which captured the raccoon’s dramatic leap onto a stacked cardboard box, was shared widely across platforms and prompted an influx of memes. In that instance, the family also joked that “you never know when your house will get a surprise guest from the neighborhood.”
Both incidents have brought a unique lightness to the Schottenheimer brand, which is primarily known for its football pedigree. The family’s social media presence—especially Schottenheimer’s own Instagram account, @brianschottenheimer—has cultivated a sense of relatability by showcasing both his professional life and these more whimsical moments.
Community Response
The local community has reacted in kind. Several neighbors posted supportive comments, offering to share anti‑animal‑invasion tips and local pet‑deterrent products. A local animal‑control officer, who was contacted by Schottenheimer’s wife after the incident, confirmed that the squirrels were “likely seasonal and attracted by leftover food.” The officer encouraged the family to keep food sealed and to monitor potential entry points.
One local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that “squirrels are a common problem in the area, but seeing them invade a high‑profile household like Schottenheimer’s definitely raised the profile of the issue.” The resident added that the incident might help bring more attention to community efforts to educate homeowners about preventing animal intrusions.
The Schottenheimer Legacy
While the viral footage may have taken center stage on social media, it is worth remembering that the Schottenheimers have a strong presence in the football world. Brian Schottenheimer, the son of Hall‑of‑Fame coach Marty Schottenheimer, has carved out a career as an NFL assistant coach, most recently with the Dallas Cowboys as a defensive line coach. His coaching journey has seen him work with teams across the league, including stints at the University of Nebraska, Michigan State, and the Las Vegas Raiders. His reputation for strong defensive strategies and disciplined coaching has earned him respect among teammates and players alike.
The animal invasions have inadvertently added a new dimension to Schottenheimer’s public persona—a reminder that even football’s high‑profile figures are not immune to everyday life’s surprises. While the incidents have been a source of amusement for fans and the local community, they have also served as a conversation starter about wildlife management and homeowner preparedness.
In Conclusion
Brian Schottenheimer’s recent viral animal invasion showcases how even the most serious of professional lives can be interrupted by a group of mischievous squirrels. The incident has amplified the Schottenheimer family’s social media presence, drawn community attention to local wildlife issues, and provided a humanizing glimpse into the daily life of an NFL coach. As the family implements new preventative measures and continues to share humorous footage, it remains to be seen whether the “once again” label will become a permanent hallmark of Schottenheimer’s household—or simply a temporary footnote in the world of viral internet content.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/onsi/news/brian-schottenheimer-home-once-again-struck-viral-animal-invasion ]