FRISCO, Texas – At the annual Reliant Home Run Derby to benefit the Salvation Army at the Dr. Pepper Ball Park in Frisco, Cowboys’ linebacker Jaylon Smith and quarterback Dak Prescott stated their goals for their future mark with the Dallas Cowboys.
“ I want to be the best quarterback that the Cowboys ever had. So when I go in each and every day, it’s about being the best player I can be,” Prescott said. Dak does not solely want to have a fantastic 2018 season and win MVP/Pro-Bowl awards, but he is setting his sights on a loftier goal: being the best quarterback that ‘America’s Team’ has ever had. He wants to make history with the boys, on a grander scale than that of Hall Of Fame and Ring of Honor quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. Coming in as a third string quarterback and rookie for the Cowboys in 2016, he earned his position as starting quarterback, leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 season and the No. 1 seed in the NFC East, heading into playoffs. Concluding the season, he was awarded AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. His goal is winning. Dak’s work ethic is tremendous and his leadership qualities on and off the field developed in a short span of time as he gained the trust of his teammates and landed himself a captain patch in his rookie season.
Smith remarked, “ I’m going to be better than Notre Dame 100 percent.” He has trained this offseason without his foot brace he used last year and he feels stronger and healthier than ever. The Cowboys took a gamble and selected Smith as the 34th pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was a potential No. 1 overall draft pick, but after he tore his ACL and LCL in the Fiesta Bowl playing for the Irish, doctors said he may never play another down of football again. The Cowboy’s team doctor performed Smith’s surgery and had the best view of his medical condition. The Cowboys’ hope was that Smith’s nerve would re-generate and begin firing, so they took a risk and drafted him. Not only did the nerve re-generate, but Smith had a start in all 16 games in 2017. He amassed 81 combined tackles, 50 total, and one sack. He was honored as the Ed Block Courage Award Winner by his teammates for his comeback. Smith’s positive attitude is inspiring with his ‘Clear Eye View’ campaign, and his energy on and off the field with that broad smile of his are contagious.
These two players have beaten the odds at every corner and made the impossible, well possible. I would not bet against Jaylon Smith and Dak Prescott. They are just getting started!!
