In a stunning and polarizing statement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL and sports media world, Dallas Cowboys President and Owner Jerry Jones made headlines Tuesday afternoon with a highly controversial remark about his franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. The longtime Cowboys executive declared during an impromptu interview at team headquarters:

“He will kick Dak Prescott out of the Cowboys if he doesn’t avoid WOKE.”

The comment immediately ignited a social and political firestorm, drawing reactions from fans, players, and commentators across the country. As one of the most high-profile owners in American sports, and with the Cowboys being “America’s Team,” every word from Jerry Jones carries weight — but few expected a direct challenge to his quarterback’s personal or ideological leanings.

What Did Jerry Jones Mean?

The context of Jones’s comment remains murky. He made the remark in response to a local reporter’s question about leadership in the locker room and the influence of “culture wars” on professional sports. Jones, in typical candid fashion, didn’t hold back:

“Dak is a fine young man. But I’ve always said we play football here, not politics. If he wants to lead this team, he needs to avoid all that woke stuff. I’ll say it plain: if he doesn’t avoid it, I’ll kick him out myself.”

This is not the first time Jones has weighed in on social and political topics — in 2017, he was vocally critical of national anthem protests, although he later softened his stance. But this latest comment is far more direct, singling out Prescott in a way that suggests deeper tensions between the quarterback and management.

Dak Prescott’s Response: Composed and Principled

Just hours later, Dak Prescott addressed the media in a brief, measured statement from The Star in Frisco:

“I’ve always led with integrity, and I’ve always stood for what I believe is right — on and off the field. If respecting human dignity, encouraging unity, or speaking up for others makes me ‘woke’ in some people’s eyes, then so be it. But I won’t apologize for being a man before I’m a quarterback.”

Prescott, who has been the face of the Cowboys since 2016, is not known for stirring political controversy. However, he has at times spoken out about mental health, racial justice, and equality — always in a calm, thoughtful tone. He has also donated to police reform initiatives and educational charities, balancing his support for law enforcement with calls for accountability.

His response Tuesday night struck a chord with many fans and fellow players. #WeStandWithDak and #CowboysDivide quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as fans took sides on what has become yet another flashpoint in the ongoing clash between sports, identity, and politics.

NFL Players and Fans React

Within the league, several high-profile players voiced their support for Prescott. Patrick Mahomes reposted Prescott’s statement with the caption: “Leadership. Period.” Meanwhile, New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers commented during a podcast appearance: “You don’t threaten your quarterback over political buzzwords. That’s not leadership — that’s fear.”

However, not everyone agreed. Former Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley tweeted: “Good on Jerry for saying what others won’t. Football’s not a platform — it’s a job.”

The Dallas fanbase appears split. While many longtime fans praised Jones for “keeping football football,” others expressed disappointment in what they saw as an unnecessary attack on one of the most respected and consistent quarterbacks in the league.

Team Turmoil?

Insiders report that the Cowboys’ locker room is “tense but united” — at least for now. Several players, speaking anonymously to The Athletic, indicated support for Prescott but also confusion over what Jones truly expects.

One veteran linebacker said, “Dak is the soul of this team. We ride or die with 4. If he’s out, a lot of us will have to think hard about what this place stands for.”

As of this writing, neither Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy nor General Manager Will McClay has commented publicly. Sources say there is an emergency meeting scheduled for later this week between Prescott’s representation and the Cowboys front office.

Bigger Than Football

This incident is yet another example of how the term “woke” — once associated with social awareness — has become a lightning rod in political and sports discourse. Depending on who you ask, avoiding “woke” means staying apolitical, or it means ignoring issues of justice and inclusion.

In Jones’s case, critics argue he’s enforcing conformity and silencing players’ voices, while supporters claim he’s defending the purity of the game. The reality is, those lines are increasingly hard to define in 2025.

What’s Next?

Dak Prescott’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. While there have been discussions about an extension, this latest drama could complicate talks. If Prescott were to leave Dallas, it would mark the end of an era — and potentially fracture one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history.

Conclusion

At the heart of this controversy is a deeper question: What do we expect from our athletes? Just touchdowns and trophies? Or something more?

Dak Prescott’s answer was clear — he’ll stand by his principles, even if it means standing alone.

And that, more than anything, might be the real breaking news.