Two brothers having one-on-one football battles in the back yard with dad playing all-time quarterback.

That's the sports memory Dallas Cowboys rookie tight end Gavin Escobar cherishes most when talking about his father, Harry Escobar.

Football wasn't Harry's favorite sport but he's a sports enthusiast regardless, so the former baseball player and little league coach didn't mind tossing around the pigskin to please his sons.

"He never pushed me in any direction as far as sports," Gavin said. "He was always there supporting. It was kind of nice, because since he didn't know that much about football, he didn't get on me after the games, so it was perfect. He was always encouraging."

Gavin still has a close relationship with his 67-year-old father, but they don't see each other nearly as often.

Gavin moving from California to Texas created some significant space, so has Harry's change in health.

Harry was moved to an assisted living home in December after multiple falls caused bleeding in his brain. He had surgery but progress has been slow and he requires 24-hour care.

Harry can talk, but his memory and balance have been an issue. And because of those circumstances, it would be difficult for Gavin's father to travel to Cowboys Stadium and see his son play in a game during his rookie season.

"Gavin's been great," his mother Erin Escobar said in a recent phone interview. "Every time he's home he visits with him. We're a big sports family, so I'm sure he'll be watching every game that he can."

In a way, football has helped Gavin deal with his father's brain injury. With the demanding schedules of being a student-athlete at San Diego State, preparation for the NFL Draft and Cowboys off-season workouts, Gavin has had things to temporarily take his mind away from what his dad is going through.

"I think there were some parts that were disturbing, but I think fortunately for Gavin, he had a lot to concentrate on, so it wasn't the focal point of what he was doing," Erin said. "He, of course, cared and tended to his father as much as he could, but he also had to focus on school and training. He did have a full plate and I think he balanced it all quite well."

The family was able to share a special moment together on April 26. Gathered at their Newport Beach home, the Escobars were treated to a pleasant surprise when the Cowboys made Gavin the 47th overall pick of the NFL Draft."[My dad] was really excited," Gavin said. "You could tell that he was proud of me. … He knew I had potential.

"I told him that I was going to make it, so it's a great feeling."

When Gavin made the trip to Valley Ranch for his introductory press conference a few days later, he picked up a Cowboys hat and some other gear for his father. Harry's a big fan of hats. The one Gavin gave him has become his new favorite."He's always wearing that Cowboys hat," Gavin said. "He's been rocking that pretty much every day. He's all about the Cowboys now."

Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota