Cotton Bowl Countdown: Team bonding and giving back

Football Cotton Bowl 2017 Cowboys Comedy Jam Team Cedric the Entertainer

Cotton Bowl Countdown: Team bonding and giving back

December 29, 2016 | Football

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Follow the Badgers all week as they prepare for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

DALLAS — It's Thursday — full Day 3 — here in Texas and the Wisconsin football team is starting to settle into a rhythm as the Badgers prepare for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. On today's docket, team practice and a visit to the area children's hospital, along with other actitivies.

And in case you missed it, the team ended Day 2 in Texas with an entertaining night of camaraderie and team bonding at the Dallas Cowboys Comedy Jam at AT&T Stadium featuring Cedric the Entertainer! Revisit Wednesday's Cotton Bowl Countdown here for all of the action.

Thursday, Dec. 29: Day 3 in Dallas

Let's start the morning off right and get to know Sojourn Shelton better before the team heads to practice ...

Think you know @_SDS8? Badgers in 60
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

The team has returned to AT&T Stadium this morning for the third practice of the week and the Badgers are starting to make this place their own.

Practice #??3?? Back at it. Let's get it. #OnWisconsin || #Badgers
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Current mood in Texas:
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Practice #??3?? #OnWisconsin || #Badgers
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

"We're a really confident group... but we're also trying to enjoy the moment and have fun together as a team."
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Fun fact from the Cotton Bowl Classic: Goodyear commissioned an artist to sculpt the team mascots out of tires. How does Bucky look? Who wore it better?

For the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, sculptures were created for @WMU_Football & @BadgerFootball. The unique part? They're made entirely of tires.
— ESPN (@ESPN) December 29, 2016

For its sponsorship of the Cotton Bowl, Goodyear commissioned artist Blake McFarland to make sculptures of the mascots out of tires
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 29, 2016

The Badger & Bronco made completely out of @goodyear tires. Over 300 hours went into these sculptures. Now that's #Blimpworthy
— Cotton Bowl Classic (@CottonBowlGame) December 29, 2016

The best part of Thursday for the Badgers? Definitely visiting Texas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital!

Autographs, photos, hula hoop and plenty of smiles. Plenty of fun for the #Badgers visiting the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

The folks at @TxScottishRite Hospital for Children did their homework. Nothing like getting the chance to Jump Around with the #Badgers!
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Hospital Visits Day 2: He told he has a huge Cheesehead back home, classic. #OnWisconsin
— Ellen Stuart (@Ellenpaige12) December 29, 2016

Toughest interview of the week for these guys.
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Exclusive insight from Wisconsin's insiders shot live at practice at AT&T Stadium this morning. During today's Cotton Bowl Breakdown with Chris Hall and Andy Baggot, the dynamic duo discusses how the Badgers will defend the Read Option against Western Michigan.

Facing Western Michigan? Expect to face the read option. @ChrisHallUW & @AndyBaggot discuss the #Badgers prep.
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

After Tuesday's sneak peak, we couldn't wait to see video of Jack Cichy and Chris Orr taking a trip to a local Texas western wear store. Don't miss a hearty laugh or two as these Badgers explore the fashion of Dallas.

One is from Wisconsin The other is from Texas @Chris_Guwap wants to make sure @jackCICHY is dressin' like a Texan.
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Badger football alumni remember bowl trips fondly because of the big-time football and extra time spent making memories with their teammates. Tonight's team trip to Main Event, a local arcade and entertainment center, is another great way to unwind with friends from the physicality of practice this morning.

Tonight's bowl (&) game ????
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Another day of fun in Texas. Leave it to @TindalIsland and @Rob_wheels to cap it off. ????
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016

Saying goodnight to Thursday with another look at the cool Goodyear tire mascots and a sneak peek at the outside of AT&T Stadium as it prepares to welcome Wisconsin fans from across the country this weekend.

Now here's an interesting take on @UWBuckyBadger. @goodyear created Bucky completely out of tires for the @CottonBowlGame! #GoodyearTireArt
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 29, 2016