Driven to Succeed: Embrace New Deal and Win the Super Bowl

CLEVELAND — Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, received a life-changing call while at the downtown Cleveland Marriott. He was informed by his agent, Todd France, via FaceTime that he was about to become the highest-paid player in NFL history.

At the time, Prescott was accompanied by his close friend and teammate, Ezekiel Elliott, as well as his physical therapist, Luke Miller. They were preparing for the season opener against the Cleveland Browns when the news broke: a four-year contract extension worth $240 million, with an astounding $231 million guaranteed.

“It was a little emotional call,” Prescott shared, reflecting on the moment.

Following the announcement, he reached out to his girlfriend, Sarah Jane Ramos, and even said hello to his baby daughter, M.J. He also communicated with his marketing team, financial advisors, and his father, sending out several text messages in the aftermath of the news.

Less than an hour later, he boarded the team bus to Huntington Bank Field, where he led the Cowboys to a 33-17 victory over the Browns.

“It works for everyone, and I’m just excited that it’s behind us so I can focus on winning games,” Prescott remarked.

As he plays out this lucrative deal, he could potentially surpass $400 million in career earnings by the time the contract concludes in 2028. However, Prescott made it clear that his primary focus is not on the money but on winning a Super Bowl.

“That’s my only motivation,” he stated. “I want to do my part of this deal and deliver that. Right now, it’s about celebrating this win tonight. It was a hell of a win with these guys, and I’m excited for the flight back with them. But tomorrow, we turn the page and move on to the Saints, taking it one game at a time. The money isn’t what’s important; it’s about fulfilling my end of the deal, and I want to do it here.”

The Cowboys’ owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, has a storied history with the franchise. He purchased the team for $140 million in 1989 and celebrated three Super Bowl victories in his first five years. However, the Cowboys have not clinched a championship title in 28 years.

“The numbers are beyond anything I could have ever imagined,” Jones commented regarding the guaranteed money in Prescott’s new contract.

If Prescott had continued without a deal, the Cowboys would have faced a steep $40 million salary cap hit in 2025 without a franchise quarterback. Ultimately, the team was not willing to take that risk.

“This was what had to be done if we’re here to win a championship,” Jones noted. “I believe our fans understand that. I’m surprised anyone would think that anything less than total commitment was my intention.”

Prescott, now 31, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He is on track to become one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in several key statistics, including wins, passing yards, touchdown passes, attempts, and completions.

Last season, Prescott concluded with 4,516 passing yards and led the league with 36 touchdown passes. He is currently the third-leading passer in Cowboys history, trailing only Tony Romo and Troy Aikman, with his 203 career touchdown passes just behind Romo’s 248.

Throughout his career, Prescott has guided the Cowboys to five postseason appearances, including the seasons 2016, 2018, and the recent stretch from 2021 to 2023. However, the team has struggled to advance past the divisional round, notably losing to the Green Bay Packers in 2016 despite having home-field advantage.

The pressure that comes with being the Cowboys’ quarterback is significant, especially now as the highest-paid player in the league, with other quarterbacks such as Jordan Love, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence averaging $55 million a season.

“I put the most pressure on myself,” Prescott admitted after completing 19 of 32 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown in the game. “I’m not satisfied with my performance today, and that drives me. While it’s easy to feel down in the locker room, it’s important to remember it’s a win on the road, which is crucial for the team. My teammates keep saying it was a great day for me.”

In closing, Prescott stated, “I’m my toughest critic and hold myself to high standards, just as I expect the same from this team. So, there’s no added pressure.”