Ex-Cowboys HC draws parallels between Dak Prescott and John Elway amid brutal media treatment of QB

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has entered the conversation about Dak Prescott's future. He made an intriguing comparison to NFL Hall of Famer John Elway's early career struggles and eventual triumph.

Prescott, the Cowboys' starting quarterback since 2016, faces mounting criticism after an injury-shortened 2024 season that saw Dallas finish 7-10. Elway, a nine-time Pro Bowler, battled similar challenges early in his career before capturing two Super Bowl titles with the Denver Broncos.

Speaking on "This is Football" with Kevin Clark on Wednesday, Garrett offered a fresh perspective on Prescott's journey and potential.

"I just think he's a fantastic football player, and has been we're fortunate to have him," Garrett said. "There have been a lot of great players in this league playing that position who early on in their career and had some struggles, and then when they broke through, they broke through."

The timing of Garrett's comments comes as Dallas searches for its next coach after parting ways with Mike McCarthy. This coaching change would mean Prescott will play under his third coach in 10 seasons with the Cowboys.

Dak Prescott needs team support

NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys - Source: Imagn

Jason Garrett emphasized the team-oriented nature of football success through John Elway's example. He pointed to how the Broncos legend faced repeated disappointments despite his brilliance.

"I think about John Elway, one of the greatest players ever to walk, you know, for years, John Elway would take the Denver Broncos and put them on his shoulders and take him through the playoffs, into the Super Bowl," Garrett said. "They'd have these disappointing losses, and they did, because they weren't as good as the team they were playing."

The comparison gains additional weight considering Dak Prescott's past accomplishments. Last season, he posted a career-high 105.9 passer rating and led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes, finishing as the 2023 NFL MVP runner-up. However, the 2024 season brought new challenges as injuries decimated the Cowboys' roster, including Prescott's hamstring tear that required surgery.

These circumstances mirror Elway's path, which was faced with playoff disappointments before he found championship success late in his career. Like Elway, who needed the right supporting cast to secure his legacy, Prescott's future success may depend on Dallas building a more complete team around him.