For many young athletes, the dream of playing professional sports is a distant aspiration, an idea that fuels years of hard work, sacrifices, and determination. But for Joe Milton III, that dream was never too far out of reach. Having honed his skills as a quarterback at the University of Tennessee, Milton always had the potential to make it to the next level. Yet, despite his talent and promise, his journey to the NFL has not been a straight line. Instead, it’s been filled with challenges, transfers, and most recently, a dramatic twist—Milton has been traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
This move marks the culmination of a rollercoaster ride for the 6’5″, 240-pound quarterback, who has finally found a home in the NFL with one of the league’s most storied franchises. The transition from college to professional football is one that many players struggle to navigate, but for Milton, the trade to the Cowboys represents both an incredible opportunity and a realization of his lifelong goal. In this article, we’ll dive into the story behind Milton’s rise, his trade to the Cowboys, and what the future may hold for the quarterback as he looks to establish himself in the NFL.
A Journey Filled with Determination and Setbacks
Joe Milton III’s path to the NFL was anything but conventional. A highly touted recruit out of Orlando, Florida, Milton initially committed to play for the Michigan Wolverines, where his combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism drew attention from NFL scouts. Milton showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Ann Arbor, including an electrifying performance in a 2019 game against Rutgers. However, despite his raw talent, Milton struggled with consistency, and after a few seasons, he lost the starting job.
In 2021, seeking a fresh start, Milton transferred to the University of Tennessee. It was there, under the guidance of head coach Josh Heupel, that Milton was able to rediscover his confidence and showcase the kind of quarterback he could be. Milton’s physical gifts were undeniable—he possesses one of the strongest arms in all of college football—but his development as a passer and decision-maker took time.
Milton’s 2023 season at Tennessee was nothing short of impressive. He was able to lead the Volunteers to multiple big wins and solidified himself as one of the top quarterbacks eligible for the NFL Draft. However, despite his strong showing in college, it became clear that Milton’s path to the pros would not be an easy one. Many teams were hesitant to pull the trigger on drafting a quarterback with as much raw potential but limited experience.
As the 2024 NFL Draft came and went, Milton’s name was not called, and he was forced to navigate the undrafted waters. Despite the setback, Milton didn’t lose hope. He signed a free-agent deal with an NFL team, determined to prove that he belonged in the league.
It wasn’t long before his opportunity came, but it wasn’t the route that many had predicted. In a surprising move during the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys, led by head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones, made a trade for Milton. The move sent shockwaves through the NFL world, as the Cowboys were already seen as a Super Bowl contender with a strong starting quarterback in Dak Prescott. Yet, in a bold move, they decided to invest in Milton as a potential long-term backup and developmental project.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Bold Decision to Trade for Milton
For many NFL franchises, the backup quarterback position is often viewed as one of the most overlooked roles on the roster. However, the Cowboys, recognizing the uncertainty and risk associated with Prescott’s health and future with the team, took a strategic gamble in acquiring Milton.
The Cowboys’ decision to trade for Milton was based on a few factors. First, they recognized his immense talent and physical tools, particularly his arm strength and mobility. Though Milton had shown inconsistency in college, there was no denying that he had one of the strongest arms in the game, capable of making deep throws that few quarterbacks could replicate. Additionally, with Prescott entering his 30s and facing a looming future that could involve potential changes to the roster, having a talented and promising backup like Milton offered long-term stability.
Second, the Cowboys were motivated by the desire to add depth to the quarterback position. With backup quarterbacks often being asked to step in due to injury or a lack of performance, the team needed someone they could trust to execute the game plan in a pinch. While veteran quarterback Cooper Rush had shown flashes of competence in backup duty, the Cowboys wanted to bring in a quarterback who could eventually compete for the starting job, should Prescott ever face a prolonged injury or dip in form.
The trade was a clear signal of the Cowboys’ commitment to finding an insurance policy for Prescott, and it reflected their belief that Milton, under the right coaching and development, could eventually become a starting-caliber quarterback. The Cowboys were willing to invest the necessary time and resources to mold him into their quarterback of the future.
Milton’s Transition to the NFL: The Challenges Ahead
As with any player making the leap from college to the NFL, Milton faces numerous challenges. The NFL is a vastly different environment, where the competition is more intense, and the game is played at a faster pace. Milton’s physical gifts are certainly impressive, but his development as a quarterback will largely depend on his ability to adjust to the speed of the NFL and become more consistent with his decision-making.
One of the areas where Milton will need to improve is his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure. In college, Milton relied on his raw talent, often opting to take risks or rely on his strong arm rather than working through progressions methodically. At the NFL level, quarterbacks are expected to make precise throws while scanning the field for open receivers. Milton will need to refine his footwork, mechanics, and understanding of defensive coverages to succeed at the highest level.
Another area that will require focus is Milton’s ability to develop chemistry with his teammates. Prescott, while known for his leadership and command of the offense, has had his own struggles with consistency in recent years. But with the wealth of offensive talent around him, including weapons like CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, and Brandin Cooks, Milton will be placed in an ideal situation to learn from some of the best in the game. The Cowboys’ offensive line, while aging in some areas, still provides one of the better blocking units in the NFL, which will help ease Milton’s transition.
Additionally, Milton will be competing for a backup job against Cooper Rush and possibly another developmental quarterback, but he knows that his time to prove himself will come during training camp and the preseason. Every practice and every rep will be an opportunity for him to demonstrate his growth, command of the offense, and potential as the Cowboys’ quarterback of the future.
Milton’s Dream Realized: A Full Circle Moment
Milton’s trade to the Dallas Cowboys represents much more than just another transaction in the world of the NFL. For the young quarterback, it’s the realization of a dream that he’s held onto since his earliest days as a football player. Growing up in Florida, Milton was always drawn to the sport and imagined himself playing at the highest level. Throughout his college journey, he faced numerous challenges, including the highs of success and the lows of uncertainty. Yet through it all, he remained focused on the ultimate goal: to make it to the NFL.
Now, as a member of the Cowboys, Milton gets the chance to live out that dream. There is no denying the weight of the moment for a player who has worked so hard to reach this stage. His trade to Dallas isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a symbol of his perseverance and commitment to proving that he belongs.
“Getting traded to the Cowboys is a full-circle moment for me,” Milton said in a recent interview. “Growing up, I watched guys like Troy Aikman, Tony Romo, and Dak Prescott lead the Cowboys to success. To now be a part of this organization and have the chance to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the league is an honor. I’m just focused on putting in the work every day, getting better, and doing whatever I can to help this team win.”