Cowboys' Prescott calls 2024 'the toughest' season of his career

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recently opened up about his 2024 season, saying it might have been his toughest year since entering the NFL.

"It's been a tough year personally with my emotions because it's a roller coaster," Prescott told David Moore of The Dallas Morning News. "It's truly been ups and downs. I would say riding a wave I'm constantly preaching about not riding."

The veteran passer added: "Off the field, it's been some of the most joyous times I ever could have imagined, dreamed of. Having a child, getting engaged, starting a family. But then on the football field, it's probably been as tough of a season as I've ever had. I'd probably say the toughest."

The Cowboys have had one of their more disappointing seasons since drafting Prescott in 2016, as Dallas is currently 3-7 while underperforming on both sides of the ball. Prescott appeared in only eight games, completing 64.7% of his passes for 1,978 yards and 11 touchdowns against eight interceptions before sustaining a season-ending hamstring injury.

Prescott sustained his injury Nov. 3 and was hoping to return this year, but the three-time Pro Bowler recently decided to undergo surgery after meeting with a specialist.

"At the end of the day, we were hoping in six weeks I could start gaining strength, which is what all of the doctors were telling me," Prescott explained. "But if I waited and rehabbed it, I may or may not be able to regain strength. Even if I did, there was still a chance it would likely tear off."

Prescott's subpar 2024 followed an excellent 2023 campaign in which he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in MVP voting. His spectacular season helped the veteran QB become the NFL's highest-paid player by signing a four-year, $240-million extension.

Prescott posted an 86 passer rating in 2024, the lowest of his career and only the second time he finished a year with a rate under 90.

"Not playing up to my standards, turning the ball over more than I have. Just uncharacteristic," he said. "Leaving some of those games, mentally it was like, 'Man, I saw it the best and clearest I've ever seen it, but maybe I didn't execute that way or the team didn't execute that way.'"

The Cowboys have had Cooper Rush at quarterback with Prescott sidelined. Dallas has lost both games with Rush starting by a combined score of 68-16.