Dak Prescott’s remarks on the Eagles shocked a former defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys.

The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the fiercest and most passionate in the NFL, stretching back decades. Whether it’s on the field or in the media, the two teams regularly exchange barbs, and their players often fuel the fire with bold statements and actions. So when Dak Prescott, the quarterback of the Cowboys, made some surprising remarks about the Eagles in a recent interview, it sent shockwaves through the Cowboys’ fanbase and even surprised some former players.

Prescott, who has been the face of the Cowboys’ franchise since taking over as the starter in 2016, has faced his fair share of scrutiny, particularly from rival fans. However, his recent comments about the Philadelphia Eagles—an NFC East powerhouse—left many questioning whether the star quarterback was overly complimentary, or perhaps even giving the Eagles too much credit for their success.

For Greg Ellis, a former defensive end for the Cowboys who spent 11 seasons with the team, Prescott’s remarks were both shocking and concerning. Ellis, who was known for his outspoken nature and fierce competitive spirit during his playing days, voiced his displeasure with Prescott’s comments, suggesting that they lacked the typical edge and bravado one would expect from a Cowboys quarterback, especially when it comes to the Eagles.

In this article, we will explore Dak Prescott’s comments on the Eagles, Greg Ellis’s reaction, the broader context of the rivalry between the Cowboys and Eagles, and the implications of Prescott’s remarks for the Cowboys as they look toward future seasons.

Dak Prescott’s Shocking Remarks

Dak Prescott’s comments came during a media session when he was asked about the Cowboys’ struggles to consistently beat the Eagles in recent seasons. Prescott, known for his calm and diplomatic demeanor, responded by acknowledging the Eagles’ success but also claiming that the Cowboys were close to matching their rivals in terms of overall talent and team development.

“We’re not far behind them,” Prescott said. “The Eagles have had an incredible run, no doubt. But I believe we’re right there with them. We’ve got the right pieces in place, and we’re building something special here in Dallas. I know people will look at our past games and our recent results, but this team is hungry. We’re just as capable of competing at that level. I have no doubt we’ll catch up to them.”

The comments were striking for several reasons. First, Prescott’s acknowledgment of the Eagles’ dominance in recent years was seen as rare, especially coming from the leader of a Cowboys team that prides itself on its championship aspirations. The Cowboys and Eagles have shared a bitter rivalry for decades, and players from both sides rarely praise one another. Instead, the general attitude is one of intense competition and disdain.

What made Prescott’s remarks even more surprising was the fact that the Cowboys have struggled against the Eagles in recent seasons, particularly when it comes to postseason success. While the Eagles have reached the playoffs consistently and even won a Super Bowl in 2018, the Cowboys have failed to make deep playoff runs and have been eliminated early in multiple seasons, with Prescott facing considerable criticism for his performances in big games.

Moreover, Prescott’s remarks about the Eagles’ success were seen as an admission of the Cowboys’ shortcomings. While many would argue that it’s crucial for leaders to give credit where it’s due, some fans and analysts felt that Prescott was being too generous to the Eagles. After all, the Cowboys’ roster—on paper—has often been touted as one of the most talented in the league, especially with players like Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott himself. So, to hear the leader of the Cowboys express admiration for a division rival who has outperformed them in recent years, especially in high-stakes games, was not what many expected from Prescott.

Greg Ellis Reacts: A Former Cowboy Speaks Out

Greg Ellis, a former defensive end for the Cowboys from 1998 to 2008, was one of the first to speak out against Prescott’s comments. Ellis, who was a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense for years and one of the team’s most respected players during his tenure, expressed his frustration with Prescott’s remarks in an appearance on a local radio station. Ellis, known for his intense competitiveness and passion for the Cowboys, did not hold back.

“Man, I don’t know what Dak’s thinking, honestly. I’ve always respected Dak, but those comments about the Eagles shocked me. We’re talking about a team that’s been our biggest rival for years, and now you’re going to just say they’re ‘not far ahead of us’? I don’t know if that’s the mentality you want from your quarterback when we’re trying to win a Super Bowl,” Ellis said.

Ellis was clearly disappointed by Prescott’s acknowledgment of the Eagles’ dominance, especially in a year where the Cowboys were considered Super Bowl contenders. He emphasized that, while it was fine to recognize the Eagles’ success, the Cowboys should never be in a position where they’re merely “chasing” their rivals.

“This rivalry is about pride, about who runs the NFC East. The Cowboys don’t chase anyone. We should be talking about how we’re going to beat the Eagles, not how we’re ‘close’ to being as good as them. That kind of talk makes us sound like the underdogs, and that’s just not who the Cowboys are. We’re a championship-caliber team, and Dak should be leading us with that mentality,” Ellis added.

Ellis’s response struck a chord with many Cowboys fans, particularly those who have followed the rivalry closely and view the Eagles as a bitter enemy. The idea that Prescott, who has been the face of the franchise for years, would essentially admit that the Eagles are currently better, was seen as a lack of the “swagger” and confidence that Cowboys fans expect from their team. For many, Ellis’s comments were a wake-up call—one that urged Prescott to adopt a more assertive and competitive tone when discussing the Eagles moving forward.

The Eagles-Cowboys Rivalry: Context and History

The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles have had one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries for decades, built on a foundation of fierce competition and high stakes. As members of the NFC East, the Cowboys and Eagles face off twice a year, and these games are often crucial in determining playoff positioning.

Over the years, the rivalry has seen moments of pure drama and hostility. In the 1990s, during the Cowboys’ dominance under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys and Eagles were bitter rivals. Dallas was a Super Bowl contender, while Philadelphia was often a thorn in their side, consistently fighting for divisional supremacy.

More recently, the Eagles have experienced a resurgence under head coach Doug Pederson, winning the 2018 Super Bowl and consistently making the playoffs. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have seen a series of up-and-down seasons, making the playoffs in some years but faltering in critical moments. This recent period of Eagles’ dominance has shifted the balance of power in the NFC East, leading many fans to view the Eagles as the team to beat in the division.

What made Prescott’s comments even more notable is the way the Eagles have consistently succeeded in key moments. While the Cowboys have boasted impressive regular-season records, they have often faltered when it matters most—especially against the Eagles. In recent years, the Eagles have reached the NFC Championship Game multiple times and won Super Bowl LII, while the Cowboys have failed to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs.

For many Cowboys fans, seeing Prescott give credit to the Eagles for their sustained success felt like an acknowledgment of a reality they had been trying to avoid: that the Cowboys had not lived up to expectations and that the Eagles, while not perfect, had proven themselves to be the more consistent and capable team in the NFC East.

The Implications of Prescott’s Comments

Dak Prescott’s remarks about the Eagles have sparked intense debate about the future direction of the Cowboys and their mentality heading into 2025. For some, Prescott’s words were seen as a refreshing dose of humility, recognizing the success of a rival while maintaining confidence in the Cowboys’ potential. However, for others—like Greg Ellis—Prescott’s comments represented a failure to fully embrace the competitive edge and championship mindset that the Cowboys have historically prided themselves on.

Ellis’s reaction highlights the heightened expectations that come with being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. As the leader of America’s Team, Prescott is expected to exude confidence, even in the face of adversity, and lead the charge against the Cowboys’ biggest rivals. The Cowboys are not a team that is supposed to be content with being “close” to greatness—they are a team that is expected to chase and capture championships. By offering praise to the Eagles and conceding that the Cowboys are “close” to their level, Prescott may have inadvertently reinforced the idea that the Cowboys are still playing catch-up, rather than positioning themselves as the dominant force in the NFC East.

For the Cowboys to succeed in 2025 and beyond, Prescott will need to show that he can rise to the occasion and lead his team past their rivals. Whether it’s the Eagles or another team, the Cowboys’ goal should be clear: to win the NFC East and contend for Super Bowls. The pressure on Prescott to deliver that message—both on and off the field—will be immense.

Conclusion

Dak Prescott’s comments on the Philadelphia Eagles have undoubtedly shocked former Cowboys players and fans alike. While his acknowledgment of the Eagles’ success was likely meant as a respectful nod to a worthy opponent, the words have sparked significant debate about the Cowboys’ mentality heading into the 2025 season. For Greg Ellis and other former Cowboys, Prescott’s remarks represented a lack of the intense, rival-defying attitude that they believe is necessary to succeed

in such a high-stakes rivalry.

As the Cowboys continue to build toward future seasons, the tone set by their leader will be crucial in determining how the team approaches their rivals, particularly the Eagles. Prescott’s challenge will be to maintain respect for the Eagles while also leading the Cowboys with the confidence and swagger needed to reclaim the NFC East and return to the Super Bowl. Whether Prescott’s comments were a sign of humility or a reflection of deeper concerns about the Cowboys’ ability to compete remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the Cowboys’ rivalry with the Eagles will only continue to fuel the fire, and Prescott’s words will be analyzed closely as the season unfolds.