A lot of people can have influence on a free agent's decision on where to play next. Agents, managers, publicists, friends and family all may chime in their two cents on which free agency option is the best choice for the player in question.

But for defensive lineman Cedric Thornton, only one opinion mattered -- his son's.

In an interview with the Cowboys' website, the newly signed Thornton revealed his son's answer when he asked Cedric Jr. where he should play next season.

"Dallas. We're going to Dallas," the 8-year-old said.

So when Thornton's phone rang a half-an-hour later and Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett was on the line, the matchup seemed meant to be.

"I knew then I was destined to be here," Thornton said. "My son is running up and down the stairs saying, 'I told you so. I told you it was Dallas.' So after that, I decided I wasn't going to do other visits. And the rest is history."

Thornton turned down offers from Seattle and Kansas City to sign his four-year, $17 million deal with Dallas.

So what drew him to the Cowboys over those two other teams, both of which made the playoffs last year?

"I know this team. I've played against these guys. I think we have a chance to win a championship here. This isn't a 4-12 team. We're going to be back and I just wanted to be a part of it," Thornton told DallasCowboys.com. "You can tell they have a special thing going on. I've played against Zack Martin, (Travis) Frederick, (La'el) Collins, Doug Free. It's always a tough battle when we face those guys. And now I get to face them in practice every day. I feel like they're going to make me a better player and maybe I can do the same to them."