The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of detractors, but few are as vocal and relentless in their criticism as ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. Known for his boisterous opinions and larger-than-life presence, Smith has made it a habit of reveling in the Cowboys’ struggles, often taking to social media to gleefully mock the team after a loss, much to the delight—or irritation—of fans.
Recently, Smith took yet another opportunity to take a jab at “America’s Team,” this time targeting their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. While Cowboys fans have grown accustomed to Smith’s antics, his latest remarks came during a serious discussion about his own career and future contract negotiations.
In an interview with Boardroom, Smith opened up about his future plans and the value he brings to ESPN. During the conversation, he made a surprising comparison between himself and Dak Prescott, using the Cowboys quarterback’s contract as a point of reference. Smith, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, took aim at Prescott’s accomplishments—or lack thereof—while highlighting his own success in the sports media world.
“Dak Prescott just signed a contract for $240 million, he’s making $60 million a year… and has won two playoff games in eight years,” Smith said with a smirk. “I’ve been No. 1 for 12 years. In our respective industries, I win. I’m fully aware of what I’m worth.”
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Smith’s comment was not just a typical dig at Prescott and the Cowboys; it also seemed to serve as a pointed statement about his own worth as he reportedly seeks a new five-year, $100 million deal from ESPN.
By comparing his achievements to Prescott’s, Smith made it clear that he believes his value as a media personality far surpasses that of the Cowboys quarterback in his respective field. After all, Smith has been a dominant force in sports commentary for over a decade, consistently driving ratings and attention to ESPN.
While Cowboys Nation has long learned to brush off Smith’s taunts, his comments struck a chord for some, especially given Prescott’s status as one of the most scrutinized quarterbacks in the NFL. Smith’s comparison of his success to Prescott’s playoff record felt like an unnecessary dig at a player who continues to face immense pressure every season.
However, it’s typical of Smith’s approach—provocative, bold, and designed to keep him at the center of the conversation.
Rumors of Smith’s contract demands suggest he’s asking for a hefty payday, and if his track record is any indication, he just might get it. As one of ESPN’s top personalities, Smith has remained a key figure in sports media, using his unique blend of commentary, humor, and controversy to maintain his position as one of the most influential voices in the industry.
Whether his comparison to Prescott was meant as a calculated negotiation tactic or just another playful jab at the Cowboys, one thing is certain: Stephen A. Smith knows his worth, and he’s determined to secure a contract that reflects it. And if taking a shot at one of the NFL’s most polarizing quarterbacks helps him get there, so be it.
As for Dak Prescott? He’ll have to keep doing his talking on the field, while Smith continues to dominate off of it.