IRVING, Texas » When Brashton Satele’s phone rang earlier last week, he was heading to his job at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. But this was no ordinary call. On the other end were the Dallas Cowboys telling him they had an open spot on their practice squad.

Dallas is no foreign land for the former University of Hawaii linebacker, who spent nearly four months with the Cowboys this spring before being released on May 7. Undaunted, he returned home and, after getting a job in demolition, he worked hard to maintain his conditioning so that when that call came from the NFL, he’d be ready.

"Just been through a lot, started working," Satele said. "I was going to work and they said they wanted to bring me back out. I called my boss and told him I had other things to do. (The job) was different, my first real job besides football. It’s interesting to see how it is 9 to 5. That’s what makes me appreciate this much more."

The last time he was in Dallas, one of his teammates was fellow UH product Mana Silva, who has since moved on to Buffalo. But even though Silva is no longer a Cowboy, his path, of going from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster is one Satele would like to duplicate.

"That’s the goal. Everybody’s goal is to be on the active team. Me and Mana trained together back in Hawaii. Me and him are like brothers," Satele said. "He was always there. We always train hard together. Three more weeks (left in the season), we’ll see what happens."

This isn’t Satele’s first stint on an NFL practice squad. The 25-year-old linebacker was also on the Jets’ practice squad in 2010. While others might lament being a practice-squad player instead of being among the 53, he sees his current situation for what it is: a great opportunity.

"I’m fortunate that they have a practice squad because I’m able to get a look, give everything I’ve got at practice and hopefully something happens," Satele said. "If not, I’ll just keep on giving my all."

Returning to Dallas means that Satele is reunited with Rob Ryan, the colorful and often outspoken Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. During his days in New York, Satele played for Ryan’s brother, Rex, head coach of the Jets.

"They’re similar in a lot of ways. It’s very interesting because I felt like I knew Rob when I came here because I knew Rex," Satele said. "I like the defense. He’s a funny guy, keeps everything interesting."

Like every other NFL practice squad player, Satele’s goal is simple — get called up to the active roster. Should he accomplish that and realize his dream of playing in the league, he would join 11 fellow Hawaii products currently on active rosters. That group includes Silva and cousin Samson Satele, currently Indianapolis’ starting center.

"Hawaii’s small compared to other states, so when someone makes it, everyone on the island pretty much knows. You want to represent well for Hawaii and for your family, so it means a lot to me," Satele said. "To represent my family and the island that I’m from means a lot to me."