The Dallas Cowboys remain the most polarizing team in the NFL, and once again, all eyes are fixated on their quarterback, Dak Prescott. But this time, it’s not a contract debate or a playoff failure dominating headlines—it’s a firestorm ignited by the NFL community that left even Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones visibly agitated.
Earlier this week, Prescott found himself at the center of social media backlash and league-wide criticism after an unnamed league executive reportedly questioned his leadership and long-term viability as a franchise quarterback. The anonymous comments—delivered via a national report that quickly went viral—suggested that “Prescott lacks the elite edge and composure necessary to take Dallas to a Super Bowl.” The insinuation was sharp, personal, and deeply controversial.
When Jones was approached about the comments, his response was anything but measured. The 81-year-old owner didn’t hold back.
“They’ve got it all wrong,” Jones said during an impromptu press briefing outside The Star in Frisco. “Dak Prescott is the heart and soul of this team. Period. I’ve seen what he does in this building, in that locker room, in the huddle, and with our fans. You don’t question that man’s leadership and commitment—not in my building. Not ever.”
The bluntness in his tone made it clear: Jerry wasn’t just defending his quarterback. He was going to war for him.
A Rift Between Public Perception and Internal Belief
The criticism stems from Dallas’ recent playoff performances—or lack thereof. Despite three straight 12-win regular seasons, the Cowboys have failed to advance past the Divisional Round since Prescott’s rookie season in 2016. He’s thrown for over 4,500 yards in multiple seasons and has consistently ranked among the league’s top 10 in QBR, but playoff stumbles against the 49ers and Packers have kept him out of the elite tier in the minds of many critics.
Some pundits argue that Prescott, while statistically productive, lacks the “it factor” seen in Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Josh Allen. That argument was fueled when reports circulated of tension between Prescott and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore—suggesting a lack of trust in high-leverage moments.
Yet, inside the Cowboys organization, that narrative couldn’t be more opposite.
“There are quarterbacks who post big numbers and then there are quarterbacks who carry the burden of the star,” said one Cowboys assistant coach anonymously. “Dak has done both. But people forget—he does it with more pressure than any other QB in the league.”
Jerry’s Relationship with Dak: A Unique Bond
Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott share a relationship that defies the typical owner-player dynamic. When Prescott was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he was meant to be a developmental backup. But injuries to Tony Romo and Kellen Moore thrust him into the spotlight, and he delivered one of the most stunning rookie campaigns in NFL history, leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record.
Jones never forgot that.
Through injuries, contract stalemates, and playoff frustrations, Jones has remained one of Prescott’s most loyal supporters—even when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. So when the recent wave of criticism painted Prescott as an “average leader,” it wasn’t just a professional slight—it was personal for Jones.
“It’s irresponsible, honestly,” Jones continued. “When I hear people say Dak can’t lead us to a Super Bowl, I wonder what they’ve been watching. If you’ve been in this league as long as I have, you know how hard it is to find someone like him. I’m not letting go of a quarterback who can win me a championship just because the Twitter mob is restless.”
Dak Responds With Calm, But Firm Words
Prescott, for his part, didn’t match Jones’ fire in public. Instead, he offered a calm and composed response.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life. This is nothing new,” Prescott told reporters. “People are going to talk—especially when you wear the star. I can’t control the noise. I can only control how I prepare, how I lead, and how I respond. I know who I am, and I know what I’ve got in that locker room behind me.”
Sources close to Prescott say he’s using the criticism as fuel. He’s already ramped up offseason training sessions with his receivers, including CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and new draft pick Ja’Tavion Sanders. The quarterback has also been in regular contact with new quarterbacks coach Chase Daniel, a move the team hopes will refine his decision-making in tight windows.
The Elephant in the Room: Dak’s Contract
Adding even more tension to the situation is the looming contract deadline. Prescott is in the final year of his four-year, $160 million deal and is set to count for a jaw-dropping $59.5 million against the salary cap in 2025 if the Cowboys don’t work out an extension.
Critics argue the team should consider moving on rather than extending a quarterback who’s winless in the NFC Championship. But Jerry isn’t biting.
“Dak is our guy. Full stop,” Jones reiterated. “We’re working on it. These negotiations take time, but we want Dak here for the long haul. That hasn’t changed.”
Still, the Cowboys are walking a delicate line. Re-signing Prescott would likely require a deal in the range of $55–60 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in league history. Doing so without a deep playoff run could set off a firestorm among fans and media alike.
NFL Community Weighs In—Not Everyone Agrees
Despite the sharp criticism from one anonymous executive, others in the league have come to Prescott’s defense.
“Dak is as tough and mentally strong as they come,” said former NFL head coach Sean Payton on a recent podcast. “You don’t do what he’s done in Dallas without being elite. He may not be Mahomes, but he’s more than enough to win a championship if the pieces are right.”
Veteran NFL quarterback Alex Smith echoed a similar sentiment.
“The Cowboys’ struggles in the postseason aren’t just about the quarterback. That defense got cooked by Jordan Love at home. That’s not on Dak.”
However, some aren’t sold. One AFC scout told a major outlet:
“He’s plateaued. You know what you’re getting—high completion percentage, decent mobility, but nothing that scares you. That’s not what you pay $60 million for.”
What’s Next for Prescott and the Cowboys
With OTAs around the corner and training camp set to begin in late July, the pressure is mounting for both Prescott and the Cowboys. The team drafted two offensive linemen and added skill position depth, signaling they’re all-in on giving Prescott every chance to succeed in 2025.
New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is expected to revamp the Cowboys’ approach on defense after Dan Quinn’s departure. A stronger defensive showing would ease the burden on Prescott and shift the narrative away from quarterback-centric blame.
Still, Jones knows there’s only one outcome that will silence the doubters.
“Win it all. That’s the standard,” Jones said, steely-eyed. “That’s always been the standard in Dallas, and Dak knows that. But I believe in him. More than ever.”
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Quarterback
The NFL is a ruthless league. One season you’re the hero, the next you’re expendable. For Dak Prescott, the stakes in 2025 couldn’t be higher. Every throw, every press conference, every fourth-quarter drive will be dissected with playoff implications in mind.
And yet, with the unwavering support of the most powerful owner in football behind him, Prescott has the opportunity to write a redemption arc that only a few quarterbacks in Cowboys history have ever approached.
It won’t be easy. The noise will grow louder. The critics will sharpen their knives.
But Jerry Jones isn’t backing down. And neither is Dak Prescott.