The Dallas Cowboys are never far from the spotlight, and even during a bye week, the team remained a hot topic in the media. The latest buzz began with an interview from team owner Jerry Jones, followed by discussions about fan tours at The Star, the Cowboys’ practice facility, which have sparked opinions on whether they interfere with the team’s operations.
While some former players have voiced concerns, others distanced themselves from these remarks.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, the face of the franchise and one of the most scrutinized players in professional sports, weighed in on the situation.
Prescott addressed what he sees as an overblown story, calling the distraction claims “an excuse.” Prescott explained that the tours and external attention are part of the reality of being with a team as iconic as the Cowboys, and he emphasized the importance of maintaining focus.
“For one, this is all I know; I’m not going to let a couple people touring the building distract me,” Prescott said. “I’m present where I am. I think, honestly, it’s an excuse. What’s the difference in you guys [reporters] coming in the locker room and talking? Guys gripe about that too. And I don’t get that.”
Prescott pointed out that being a Cowboy means dealing with extra attention, noting that embracing the spotlight is part of the job. “It’s being professional; some things you deal with. … You got to embrace it. Honestly. You can walk by and have a negative mindset about it and allow it to ruin your day, or you can be thankful that you’re in an organization that people want to see.”
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons echoed Prescott’s sentiment on social media, writing that some players may not be built for the intense “light” that comes with playing for the Cowboys.
Being a member of the Cowboys, after all, comes with unique pressures and coverage unlike any other team in the league.
The Cowboys organization has long been one of the most visible in sports, and this level of exposure brings both rewards and challenges.
For Prescott, these distractions are just part of the territory. As he said, if fan tours or extra media presence impact a player’s focus, it might mean they aren’t cut out for the high-profile world of the Dallas Cowboys.
