Dak Prescott: Cowboys Media Scrutiny Comes With the Territory

Media scrutiny has intensified for the Dallas Cowboys and coach Brian Schottenheimer following a 2-4 start to the NFL season. Reports came from an interview with quarterback Dak Prescott, who told Front Office Sports that the increased media pressure is an unavoidable consequence of the team's celebrity status. "That's the territory," Prescott said, adding that you can't ask for the attention and then complain about the challenges that come with it.

Prescott, 33, was drafted by the Cowboys in 2016 and won Rookie of the Year that year but has not led the franchise to much playoff success. The Cowboys have two playoff appearances in the Prescott era, with no divisional round victories. Back-to-back losses against the winless Buccaneers and the Packers have drawn significant media criticism, including comments from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith who criticized Prescott's performance and compared the team's playoff record to that of former quarterback Tony Romo.

Prescott acknowledged that the team receives criticism "time and time and time again," but suggested that some reactions are driven by clicks rather than genuine insight. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, 84, has also faced scrutiny for his role in the team's prolonged championship drought. Jones has owned the franchise since 1989 and retains the general manager position, which has drawn criticism from some as outdated.

Prescott defended Jones' open relationship with the media, stating that it helps create an opinion of the franchise that encourages fans to follow the team closely. Regardless of whether fans like or dislike Jones' messages, they are likely to continue watching. Prescott is currently under a four-year, $240 million contract extension he signed in 2024, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time.

Prescott also shared his thoughts on the proposed expansion of the NFL season to 18 games, expressing openness to the idea as long as additional compensation, an extra bye week, and a shortened preseason are included. "If it's better for the game, I'm always looking for an opportunity to play to display my love for this game and passion for it in front of our fans," Prescott said.