Cowboys' Dak Prescott offers bold response for critics

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hears what critics have to say this summer and has a strong message for them ahead of the upcoming NFL season. 

"At the end of the day, when we win this thing, it’s only going to make it that much sweeter," Prescott recently told Jarrett Bell of USA Today. 

Bell was sure to point out Prescott didn't necessarily guarantee the Cowboys will win Super Bowl LVIII, but the 30-year-old certainly isn't lacking confidence as he prepares to enter his third season after he signed a four-year contract with the club back in March 2021. 

Prescott's 2022 campaign didn't go as he envisioned for multiple reasons. He missed time after he suffered a serious thumb injury in Week 1 and, per ESPN stats, finished the campaign tied for the most interceptions in the league (15) with Davis Mills of the Houston Texans. Mills played in 15 games, while Prescott appeared in 12. 

"...I’ve never allowed any people’s opinions, or expectations, dictate who I am," Prescott explained. "I believe I have the highest expectations for myself than anyone does. That holds me to a high standard. Obviously, me coming from a year last year, leading the league in interceptions and not performing the way I wanted...yeah, I’ve always been a fighter. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and had it before." 

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones recently generated headlines when he said that the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Washington Commanders "need to be on their game because we are" heading into September. As of Thursday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Cowboys third among betting favorites at +650 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVIII. 

To reach such a goal, Prescott knows he must stay healthy and also play better than the signal-caller who hasn't earned a Pro Bowl selection since the 2018 season. 

"...I’ve been through a lot, but going into my eighth year, I haven’t gotten what I want to get out of this league," Prescott admitted. "That’s what pushes me every day when I wake up." 

Cowboys insider David Helman of Fox Sports noted on Tuesday the Cowboys haven't yet signed Prescott to an extension. Only time will tell if missing the playoffs in January could cause Jones to make a bold move regarding the quarterback position ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.