Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ longest-tenured quarterback, is heading into his tenth season in the league. He tells us that he comes to this season with a greater sense of urgency and purpose. Chosen as a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Prescott hit the ground running. By the end of that summer, he’d reestablished himself as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Despite a challenging postseason record of 2-5 and the team’s absence from the NFC Championship Game or a Lombardi Trophy since 1995, Prescott remains focused on his primary goal: winning a Super Bowl.
Prescott missed nine games last season due to an avulsion of the right hamstring, which required surgery. Now, he’s back on the field and looking to contribute! As he enters the 2024 season he has long since accepted his place in the “over-30 club.” This new relationship comes with new challenges, as well as increased scrutiny and expectations. New offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will restrict Prescott’s carries, an important step to keep the 6’2”, 236-pound Prescott healthy over the long season.
During training camp, Prescott has taken more snaps under center than in the shotgun formation. Both coaches Schottenheimer and Steve Shimko have put some minor tweaks on his footwork out of the shotgun. This change underscores their commitment to developing his abilities as he enters this important third year.
At the same time, Prescott’s personal life has come under scrutiny. He’s recently become the father of a second daughter, Aurora, who joins the first, MJ, and is engaged to his lovely fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos. Balancing family life with the demands of professional football has given him a new perspective on his responsibilities both at home and on the field.
Prescott is known for his lighthearted approach during practice, often encouraging his teammates through humor. For one, he jovially pretends he’s horseback riding during drills. That quirky, outrageous, goofy behavior — the kinda stuff that might cause reporters to write about your team’s BOOM!
“Ten years in and ready to play another 10, but I want to win first and foremost now. And that is the urgency that I carry with just the love and passion of this game.” – Dak Prescott
Now, looking back on the journey he has made, Prescott feels he has proven his capabilities regardless of what others have said. As an example, he points to the fact that he was never that worried about draft rankings or other lists and comparisons of players.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really cared about a list. I was, what, the ninth or so guy when I was taken [in the draft]. The list changes for every person you ask. The list changes every year.” – Dak Prescott
He’s profoundly devoted to perpetual improvement. Yet, he is far more concerned with just getting better himself and becoming a player that the Cowboys can depend on.
“With injuries, obviously the list should change. As young, new players come in, the list is going to change. It’s not something I really give weight to. I know who I am. I’m confident in who I am.” – Dak Prescott
This drive to set the tone by personal example seems to come over from his players coaches too. Schottenheimer describes Prescott as a perfectionist who embodies a willingness to adapt and learn.
“This guy is a perfectionist. For a guy that has the accomplishments and has done the things he’s done, he reminds me so much of being around [former NFL QB] Andrew Luck.” – Brian Schottenheimer
Additionally, Schottenheimer loves Prescott’s willingness to embrace criticism and competition, which creates a locker-room environment that breeds improvement.
“A guy that’s had great success but is willing to try anything you throw his way. … ‘Hey, coach me hard. I can do that.’ I think it’s that willingness and that hunger to say ‘Challenge me coach. Challenge me to do different things.’” – Brian Schottenheimer
Prescott has his eyes set on something larger than individual achievement. His mandate to honor the Cowboys organization and their ever-faithful fans runs deep. The owner is used to hearing that it’s been “well damn long enough” since the franchise’s last tasty success in the playoffs.
“I’m not only wanting to win for myself, but wanting to win for this organization. … We’ve got to keep that at the forefront of our mind.” – Dak Prescott
His motivation is not just a personal drive to succeed, but a need for the entire team to succeed. He is convinced that having the same mindset will take them a long way in achieving their goal.
“When one thinks something, it’s good, but when two think it, it’s powerful. When we can get a hundred guys to think it, it can happen.” – Dak Prescott
As the Cowboys prepare for another season, Prescott’s hunger is undeniable. He knows that achievements are not about resting on his laurels. His past accomplishments serve only as rocket fuel for his desire to do much more.
“What I’ve done or accomplished really doesn’t hold any weight with me, so I can’t say not having it weighs me down or anything.” – Dak Prescott
As fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing what Year 10 holds for Dak Prescott, one thing remains clear: his relentless pursuit of excellence is unwavering.
“That’s the f
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