Dallas, TX — In a surprising resurfaced video that’s making the rounds on social media, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is seen at what appears to be a college party, using a paintball gun to shoot beer into his mouth in front of a cheering crowd. Though the video is believed to have been taken prior to his NFL career, the incident is raising fresh questions about the image and expectations placed on the face of one of football’s most high-profile franchises.

In the 18-second clip, Prescott, wearing a backwards cap and surrounded by college students, takes aim with a customized paintball marker that appears to be loaded with beer. He then fires a stream into his mouth as others laugh and chant. The party-like atmosphere, while typical for a college setting, feels jarringly out of place when associated with a player who is now considered the leader of “America’s Team.”

While there is no indication of illegal activity, nor has the NFL or Cowboys organization issued disciplinary action, fans and analysts alike are debating whether the video — though old — reflects poorly on Prescott’s image as a role model and franchise quarterback.

“It’s not about legality — it’s about optics,” one Cowboys insider said. “Dak has built a reputation for being mature, focused, and brand-safe. Something like this — even from college — puts a dent in that narrative.”

Prescott has not yet publicly commented on the video. However, sources close to the quarterback say he’s aware of the situation and is “unbothered” by the resurfacing of what he considers “a harmless moment from his youth.”

Still, in the world of high-stakes NFL branding and image control, even harmless moments can carry weight. Especially when you’re the starting quarterback for a team that lives in the national spotlight 24/7.

Some fans came to Prescott’s defense, calling the backlash overblown and arguing that what he did was “what thousands of college students do every weekend.” Others, however, say it feeds into a broader concern that even off-field behavior from years ago can resurface and distract from a team trying to focus on a Super Bowl run.

*“It’s not a scandal,” one Twitter user wrote. “But it’s definitely not ideal when your QB ends up on Barstool with a paintball beer gun.”

Whether or not the incident fades quietly or fuels further debate remains to be seen — but for now, it’s another reminder that in the NFL, nothing stays hidden for long.