Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott is refuting claims that fan tours are one reason the Cowboys haven’t lifted the Lombardi Trophy since January 1996.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler published a report on how the Cowboys are the only team in the NFL that lets fans tour its facility, The Star, throughout the year. In the article, several former players said the tours add to Dallas’ distractions, which is one reason it isn’t winning championships.
On Thursday, Prescott said he doesn’t mind the tours, which are no different from media and staff members walking around the building.
“Honestly, I feel like it’s an excuse,” Prescott said, via LoneStarLive.com’s Aaron Kasinitz. “What’s the difference in [reporters] coming in the locker room and talking, you know? Well, guys, b—h about that, too, and I don’t get that. I mean, it’s being professional, some things you deal with.”
Still, former players feel like it’s something they shouldn’t have to experience daily.
In March, former Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz — now with the Houston Texans — told ESPN’s Pat McAfee tours made him feel like he was in a “zoo.” Former Dallas safety Jayron Kearse agreed.
“You’re walking by the tour guide, and they’re pulling [fans] to the side, and you hear them say, ‘Oh, that’s [wide receiver] CeeDee Lamb, that’s CeeDee,” Kearse said, according to Kahler. “Like Dalton said, it’s kind of like you’re like a lion in a zoo, and kids are going to see a lion. That’s not a reason why we didn’t get over that hump. But I just don’t think that really equates to winning. That has nothing to do with us winning the game.”
Prescott acknowledged that players must get used to the constant attention they receive when playing for Dallas, but it’s also why being with the organization is a privilege.
“You gotta embrace it,” he said. “You can walk by, and you can have a negative mindset about it and allow that to ruin your day. Or you can be thankful that you’re an organization that people want to see. And you know, for me, it’s easy to say, ‘What’s up?’ Wave and keep walking.”
Not all players enjoy the spotlight, though, and the report may bring unwanted attention to “America’s Team.”
The Cowboys (3-3) are already having trouble overcoming a slow start heading into Sunday’s road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers (3-4).