The Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in Oxnard, California, with quarterback Dak Prescott recently taking time to address the media. Prescott, known for his leadership and poise both on and off the field, expressed unshakable confidence in his commitment to the Cowboys and his future in the NFL.
Prescott's Performance
Prescott's stellar performance last season placed him among the elite quarterbacks in the league. He led the NFL with an impressive 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and recorded a passer rating of 105.9, the second-best in the league. As he approaches the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott's eyes remain fixed on contributing to his team's success.
"You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here," Prescott explained. "But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus."
Contract and Future
The topic of contracts is unavoidable, especially as recent quarterback deals have escalated significantly. Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence recently signed deals worth $275 million, with Jordan Love also securing a $220 million contract and receiving a historic $75 million signing bonus from Green Bay. These astronomical figures highlight the evolving financial landscape of the NFL and bring additional focus to the end of Prescott's current contract.
In response to these trends, Prescott remained composed and practical, stating, "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens whether it's in a couple of weeks -- who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them."
Team Spirit and Brotherhood
Beyond his contractual situation, Prescott spoke passionately about the camaraderie and brotherhood within the team, drawing on his personal experiences growing up with two older brothers.
"I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players," Prescott shared. "The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways. That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
His grounded approach to negotiations underscores his broader perspective on the responsibilities and obligations he feels toward the league and his fellow players. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks, and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents."
Prescott's eloquent and thoughtful responses during the media session highlight his maturity and understanding of the game beyond just the X's and O's. As the Cowboys' training camp continues, Prescott's leadership and clarity of vision will undoubtedly be a guiding force for the team, both on and off the field. His contributions abound not just in numbers, but in the indelible impact he has on the locker room and the franchise as a whole.