Dak Prescott shuts down question over willingness to start final two Cowboys games: 'I'd fight him on it'

Dak Prescott made it clear Tuesday that sitting out the final two games of the season is not an option. No matter who suggests it.

According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Prescott was asked a hypothetical question about what he would say if head coach Brian Schottenheimer approached him about not playing the final two games. Prescott didn’t allow the question to finish before responding.

“Absolutely not. Sorry. Especially on Christmas Day, man,” Prescott said. He then doubled down on his stance, emphasizing both the personal and competitive significance of finishing the season on the field.

“I’d fight him (on it), particularly right now, going to this game, getting a chance to play on Christmas Day, first time,” Prescott added. “Also, just in the fact of being away from my family. And I’m not trying to be away from my family if I’m not going to get to play this game, and get to do something that I love at a high level, and finish a good individual season, I guess you could say, off strong.”

The Cowboys quarterback also pointed to the importance of completing a full season and helping the team snap its recent skid. That remains important to Prescott.

“You say 15 games under the belt, I want to make it 17, and just show that every chance I get out there, I’m just trying to play to my standard and expectations,” Prescott explained. “And not only that, we were just talking about how important it is to stop this losing streak and finish the season off with two wins. So, yeah, I’d play and I’d fight him for it.”

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Alas, Prescott echoed similar sentiments when speaking with ESPN. The 6-8-1 Cowboys prepare for their Christmas Day matchup against the Washington Commanders.

“We won’t be back here in this spot,” the former Mississippi State star said. “I feel like the last few times I’ve said that were playoff losses. Each year has its own troubles. Each year has its own highs, lows, ebbs and flows and everything within it.”

As one of the team’s veteran leaders, Prescott acknowledged his growing role beyond just quarterback play. He emphasized that in his response.

“The importance is controlling what you can,” Prescott said. “I’m going to do my damnedest, controlling what I can and as you get older, I think having more input, having more say so and being asked more questions from the front office. Maybe there’s a little bit more that I can do. 

“… Whatever it takes, once again I’m going to do my damnedest and make sure that I’m influencing and encouraging everybody else around me, not just the players, to do the same.”

Despite the Cowboys’ struggles, Prescott’s individual performance has remained strong. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career. Through 15 games, Prescott has thrown for 4,175 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

With two games remaining, including a Christmas Day appearance, Prescott has no intention of watching from the sideline. He wouldn’t have it any other way.