The Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in the sunny locale of Oxnard, California, and all eyes are on quarterback Dak Prescott. Known for his laser-focused demeanor on and off the field, Prescott recently stepped up to the media podium with an insightful update on his current mindset and future aspirations.
Confidence and Commitment
Prescott, who has been the linchpin of the Dallas Cowboys' offense, emphasized his dedication to the team and his unwavering confidence in his future. Approaching the tail end of his lucrative four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott remains unfazed by the uncertainty of contract negotiations. “I’m going to say it: I want to be here. But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I’ve watched, they’ve played for other teams. So my point in saying that is that’s not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day,” Prescott stated.
This sense of realism and preparedness underscores Prescott’s philosophy: to focus on the present and make the most of each moment. “Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that’s what allows me to be free and focus,” he added.
On the Field Excellence
Prescott’s on-field performance certainly backs up his confident rhetoric. In the 2023 season, Prescott led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and boasted a passer rating of 105.9, the second-best in the league. Such numbers place him in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks, a fact that undoubtedly influences the ongoing contract discussions.
The Financial Landscape
As the NFL quarterback market continues to soar, recent mega-deals have set a new benchmark for salaries. Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence have inked contracts worth $275 million, while Jordan Love managed to secure a $220 million deal accompanied by a historic $75 million signing bonus from the Green Bay Packers.
Prescott reflected on these staggering figures while voicing his own outlook on financial negotiations. “I’m not worried about the talk. I’ve got a great team, and I’m confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don’t really think about it to be honest with you,” he remarked. “As I said the first day, I’m under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year.”
The Importance of Team and Brotherhood
For Prescott, the team goes beyond mere financial considerations. He emphasized the profound sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that defines not just the Cowboys, but the NFL as a whole. “I’m a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done,” Prescott noted. “There are ways to make everything work for both sides. That’s why I said that. Then again, I’ve never truly cared about the number.”
This sense of higher responsibility extends to the ongoing contract negotiations as well. “Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that’s why I’ve said I have an agent that I’m confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That’s where sometimes I leave it to my agents,” Prescott explained.
As the Cowboys continue their training camp, the spotlight will remain fixed on Dak Prescott, both for his leadership on the field and his measured approach to the financial and contractual elements of his career. In a league where the stakes and salaries have never been higher, Prescott’s level-headedness and dedication to the team are refreshing and noteworthy.