In what has quickly become one of the most talked-about offseason soundbites, former NFL MVP Cam Newton stirred up controversy during a recent podcast appearance when he called out Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in no uncertain terms. With his trademark flair and no-holds-barred honesty, Newton said, “Cowboys fans should light candles before every game like it’s a vigil. You never know which Dak is gonna show up.”
The remark came during a wide-ranging conversation about quarterback play in the modern NFL, leadership, and the ever-raging debate over which quarterbacks can truly carry a franchise. While Cam offered praise to elite QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, he didn’t hesitate to go off-script when the topic turned to the Cowboys. His candid comments about Prescott sent shockwaves through NFL circles, especially in Texas, where the Cowboys faithful are known for their fierce loyalty.
Newton continued his commentary by saying, “I’ve been in those shoes. I know what it means to be the face of a franchise, to have every pass judged, every loss magnified. But what you can’t do is keep giving people hope just to fall short year after year. Dallas is too big for that. Dak’s got the weapons, the contract, the support. Now what?”
Social media erupted within minutes of the clip going viral. Cowboys fans and former players jumped to Prescott’s defense, while critics of the QB nodded in agreement with Newton’s tough assessment. Some noted that while Dak has posted strong regular-season stats, his postseason performances have been inconsistent at best, with just two playoff wins in eight seasons. The Cowboys’ inability to make a serious Super Bowl run during Prescott’s tenure has only amplified the pressure on the 2025 campaign.
For Cam Newton, no stranger to criticism himself, the comments are being seen as a broader message about accountability and leadership in a league that increasingly demands instant results. Newton knows what it means to carry a franchise on his back, and he’s clearly unimpressed with what he sees coming out of Dallas.
As for Prescott, the quarterback has yet to respond publicly to Newton’s remarks. However, insiders suggest he’s aware of the comments and is using them as fuel heading into training camp. The Cowboys’ season opener now carries an added layer of drama—not just for what happens on the field, but for how Prescott responds to the growing noise off it.
The stage is set. The pressure is on. And thanks to Cam Newton, the spotlight on Dak Prescott just got even hotter.