Emmitt Smith Voices Discontent Over Dallas Cowboys' Management
The legendary Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith is making headlines, not for his on-field prowess this time, but for his outspoken criticism of the Cowboys' management. Smith, who is an indelible part of Cowboys history, has expressed his frustrations with how the team is handling key players and organizational dynamics.
Smith, now 55 years old and nearly two decades into his retirement, took aim at the management's handling of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is currently in a standoff with the franchise due to contractual disagreements, which has led him to hold out. Speaking on this, Smith said, "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott. Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable."
Prescott, who is entering the final year of his contract, is facing significant pressure as the team's franchise quarterback. Smith believes the organization should be doing more to support Prescott. "He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right," Smith emphasized. His comments reflect a broader concern regarding the support systems—or lack thereof—being provided to key players.
The Cowboys also appear to be leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott, especially in the wake of Tony Pollard's departure via free agency. Brandin Cooks has been designated as the team's No. 2 wideout, further highlighting the critical nature of player roles and the strategy revolving around them.
Smith also voiced his frustrations over the team's long-standing Super Bowl drought, having not clinched the title in over two decades. "Over the last 20-some odd years, watching our team get to the playoffs time and time again, being told that we're going to do better. This is going to be a Super Bowl year for us. And we just get completely let down," Smith lamented. His reflections strike a chord with fans who have endured seasons of high hopes followed by bitter disappointments.
Looking beyond individual players and specific decisions, Smith questioned the broader organizational alignment. "We have to try, as an organization, we have to go and do a complete assessment in terms of the organization itself. What is our mission? And how does our mission align with the football team?" he suggested. This introspective approach calls for a strategic reassessment at the managerial level, hinting at potential systemic issues within the franchise.
"On the surface we would think everything is in alignment. But to me, I think there's a little disconnect there. And we need to resolve that fairly quickly because 20-some odd years, man, that's a long time," Smith concluded. His comments underline a critical perspective that sometimes, the dissonance between organizational ambitions and field performance can be more profound than it appears.
In light of these criticisms, the Cowboys' management is undoubtedly under scrutiny. Whether they will address Smith's pointed observations and make substantive changes remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the voice of Emmitt Smith, well-respected and deeply rooted in the Cowboys' legacy, cannot be easily dismissed.