The Dallas Cowboys are America's team, for better or worse. This is a term for a franchise that has not seen postseason success in quite a while. Regardless, owner Jerry Jones is a mastermind at owning public perception and staying in the limelight. It doesn't matter if this team comes off a three-win season or a Super Bowl; every move from everyone involved in the organization is scrutinized.
But NFL owners are in the position that they are for a reason. They have seen high levels of business success. Fans will correctly debate how hands-on the person running their favorite team should or shouldn't be. But ultimately, it doesn't matter. These people have been in charge of successful enterprises before and will do anything to find a winning formula in sports as well.
The clock is ticking for the latest nucleus of this Texas football squad. It's not so much about the narrative of "Jerry getting older." Instead, the overall lack of championship success is what continues to build internal pressure in the building. To his credit, all things considered, Jones has been patient. But another disappointing playoff exit or failing to even reach the post-season could trigger a big response.
This makes the most recent statement from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott so reassuring. The Mississippi State product has been consistent over the years in terms of his overall play and demeanor. However, while speaking with reporters at OTAs, he made it clear that his focus was solely on football and that he would let business people worry about the business side of things.
The following quote from the team's OTAs originally came from ESPN and shows the interview with the QB in which he shared the following:
I don't play for money. I have never cared for it, to be honest with you. Yeah, I would give it up just to play the game.
Many athletes understandably want to be able to squeeze every penny that they feel they deserve. And this is something that you can't hold against someone. In general, it's not a good practice to pocket watch. Moreover, career-earning potential has a limited and short lifespan for athletes. Knowing this and knowing that there is only a small window, most attempt to take advantage while they can.
However, when someone like Prescott voluntarily chooses to focus on his on-field performance, this is something that should be applauded. Every circumstance is different, but in his case, it's smart that he, at least from the outset, does not seem worried about upcoming contract negotiations and instead is worried about getting this team ready for the upcoming season.
Needed Next Step For Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
Objectively, it's impossible to say what expectations for this upcoming year should be. That often flirts between being good and not truly being good enough to warrant being favored to go on a deep run. Moreover, we've seen this team have varying success throughout the regular season only to find puzzling and, at times, devastating ways to lose when it counts the most.
There are exceptions, but in most cases, it takes years of agonizing playoff defeat before the nucleus of a team can overcome it. It's unknown if this is the year, but after a relatively quiet off-season, many believe that this team has not done enough to provide the needed support it would take to see this team standing at the end of the year.
This is again where Prescott deserves credit. He knows the magnitude of this upcoming season, and he knows the narratives that everyone in the building is trying to shake. Even if he's just giving lip service to the press, he's accomplishing one thing here. He's eliminating any possible distraction and leaving zero room for doubt that he wants to be the Dallas Cowboys quarterback now and in years to come.
About the Author
Gabriel keeps his curiosity on the pulse of the sports world. Agree or disagree you can reach out to him on Twitter/X @BigTenGabriel, or send an email (gstesparza@gmail.com). He will respond! He's a fan of sports and competition in all forms. His past work includes content on various sites covering college football, college basketball, UFC, boxing, soccer, MLB, and the NFL.