With a new head coach, an electric weapon in George Pickens, and Micah Parsons’ contract drama looming, Dak Prescott steps into Year 10 determined to lead the Cowboys back to the top.
As Dak Prescott enters his 10th season under center for the Dallas Cowboys, things feel different — in the best way possible. After another playoff-short season and sweeping staff changes in the offseason, the Cowboys are now under the leadership of head coach Brian Schottenheimer. And Prescott is fully bought in.
“This camp has had a different edge to it,” Prescott said following the first padded practice in Oxnard. “There’s energy, urgency, and accountability. It starts from the top, and it’s contagious. Coach Schottenheimer isn’t playing — we’re all feeling it.”
Prescott, who turned 32 on July 29, is now the longest-tenured Cowboy on the roster. And while he’s no stranger to leading through change, this offseason brought a new spark. Schottenheimer’s offense emphasizes motion, mismatches, and unpredictability — a system Prescott believes can take this team to another level.
“We’re putting guys in motion, forcing defenses to adjust pre-snap, and creating space in ways we haven’t before,” he said. “That’s a quarterback’s dream.”
New Faces, Same Mission
One of those key pieces in the new-look offense is wide receiver George Pickens, a dynamic downfield threat acquired in the offseason. The two have quickly developed chemistry in camp.
“He’s got a different gear,” Prescott said of Pickens. “He can stretch the field, high-point the ball, and has that edge we love in Dallas. We’re building timing every day.”
The presence of Pickens alongside CeeDee Lamb gives Dallas a legitimate one-two punch at wideout — something Prescott hasn’t consistently had in recent years. And with Jake Ferguson now locked into a long-term deal at tight end, the core around Dak is sturdy and explosive.
On Micah Parsons’ Contract Standoff
Amid the offensive excitement, one of the biggest stories in camp has been Micah Parsons’ stalled contract negotiations. Prescott didn’t shy away from addressing the situation.
“Micah deserves to get paid. He’s earned it and then some,” Prescott said. “He’s handled it like a pro, staying locked in, still working, and being vocal in meetings. That speaks volumes.”
Prescott understands the business side of the game but emphasized the importance of having Parsons — arguably the best defender in football — in the building, both on and off the field.
Leaner Body, Sharper Focus
Prescott also enters 2025 leaner and more agile, a product of a focused offseason transformation. While some fans were skeptical of his slimmer frame, the veteran quarterback insists it’s about longevity and mobility.
“I feel great. I feel young,” he said with a grin. “This isn’t just about being lighter — it’s about being faster, smarter, and more durable when it counts.”
Eyes on the Prize
For Dak, it’s not about rankings or media perception. Despite being left off ESPN’s recent top 10 quarterback list, Prescott made it clear: “That’s not my fuel. Winning is.”
With a rejuvenated coaching staff, an arsenal of weapons, and a locker room looking to reset the standard, Prescott is ready to lead. And if early training camp energy is any indication, the Cowboys’ new era might just be the spark they’ve needed.
“Everyone’s locked in. Everyone’s hungry,” Prescott said. “It’s a new chapter. And I’m here to write it the right way.”
Category: Football
