Cam Newton questions Dak Prescott sitting out in 2024 injured: ‘What’s a hammy?’

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott missed the last nine games of the 2024 season after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton recently questioned why Prescott opted to undergo surgery on his hamstring.

Newton, speaking on Johnny Manziel‘s “Glory Daze” podcast, brought up Prescott’s contract, in which he earns a league-high $60 million annually. Newton appeared to insinuate that Prescott should have played through the injury.

“When you look at Dak, that’s why he’s measured so high because it’s like bro, you’re making a 60 ball. What’s a hammy, bro? We need you to go win it,” Newton said. “You gotta play for the third and the fourth player that we would have been able to get had you — but it is what it is.”

The Cowboys went 4-5 without Prescott under center, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the same season Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. Prescott’s most recent injury was diagnosed as a partial hamstring avulsion — meaning the tendon partially tore off the bone. Nearly nine months removed from the injury, Prescott is fully healthy and has been a full go in training camp.

Dak Prescott healthy, ready to lead Cowboys into 2025 season

“Pretty much can do it all. Feel good,” Prescott said earlier this offseason. “Yeah, I think I’m just not cleared for contact, which we’ve got a while for that anyways. Yeah, I’m out there in the team activities. Feel good. Just trying to stay that way. Yeah, feeling great.

“… People say a lot of things about me, man. I just show up and control what I can control [to get] healthy. Trying to stay healthy. Feels good. Yeah, just trying to push the energy and make sure I continue to get better.”

The Cowboys are preparing to enter a new era in 2025 with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer taking over for Mike McCarthy. Dallas also added to the offense around Prescott, most notably landing receiver George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will play a key role opposite CeeDee Lamb.