The tension inside the Dallas Cowboys locker room has been quietly simmering all season. A 3-4-1 record, a defense ranked near the bottom of the league, and a restless fan base have created a storm of frustration in Arlington. But when team owner Jerry Jones made headlines this week for all the wrong reasons, the storm turned into an explosion.
In a recent Wall Street Journal interview, Jones seemed more interested in his $100 billion natural gas opportunity in East Texas than in the Cowboys’ collapsing defense. “That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense,” he said — a line that sent fans into absolute meltdown mode on social media.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, supporters are desperate for roster help. Instead, they’re reading about oil fields. “The gas has been there for millions of years,” one fan posted. “It can wait another week.”
The frustration reached the players’ ears too. Dak Prescott, always calm and diplomatic, didn’t dodge the question when reporters asked how he felt about Jones’ comments. His response struck a balance between honesty and loyalty.
“Reading the comment, and being honest with you, I don’t know the full, full context of it,” Prescott said after practice Thursday. “But being a fan, yeah — that can definitely be frustrating. Especially for those who live and breathe this team.”
Still, Prescott didn’t leave his owner hanging. He made sure to defend Jones’ track record and character. “The guy has never lied about who he is or what he’s trying to do,” Dak added. “If he was just taking five minutes for a $100 billion opportunity, I think a lot of us would take that call too.”
Prescott’s words reflect the fine line he’s walking — supporting his boss while understanding the pulse of Cowboys Nation. With the defense giving up 250 points and ranking 31st in the league, Jones’ statement couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Whether or not Dallas makes a trade before the deadline, Prescott’s leadership and measured response may be what keeps the locker room from fracturing completely.
One thing’s certain: Cowboys fans expect more focus, more urgency, and more football — not fossil fuels.
