Dak Prescott Announces Boycott of NFL Pride Night: “On the Field, People Should Focus on Football, Not WOKE”

Frisco, TX – May 27, 2025

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has sparked controversy by announcing his decision to boycott the NFL’s Pride Night events, stating, “On the field, people should focus on football, not WOKE.” The statement, made during a press conference following the team’s OTA session at The Star, has ignited heated discussions across social media and within the NFL community.

Prescott, 31, is coming off a challenging 2024 season marred by a season-ending hamstring injury that limited him to eight games. Despite his off-field accolades, including being a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, his comments echo sentiments expressed by other NFL teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, who have reportedly declined to participate in Pride Night events, citing concerns over “woke agendas.”

“I respect everyone’s right to their beliefs,” Prescott said. “But when I’m out there, it’s about the game. Football brings people together, and I think we should keep it that way—focused on competition, not cultural debates.” The quarterback, known for his community work and advocacy for social justice in the past, clarified that his stance is about separating sports from activism, not opposing inclusivity.

The NFL has promoted Pride Night as part of its “Football is for Everyone” campaign, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers embracing the initiative through rainbow-themed logos and merchandise. However, several teams, including the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Steelers, have refrained from posting about Pride Month on social media in recent years, drawing both praise and criticism.

Prescott’s remarks have divided fans. On X, some praised his focus on keeping football “pure,” with one user posting, “Dak’s right—leave politics out of the game!” Others criticized him, accusing the quarterback of undermining inclusivity efforts. One X post read, “Disappointed in Dak. Football is for everyone, not just those who agree with him.” The backlash recalls a 2018 incident when Prescott faced criticism for opposing protests during the national anthem, later evolving into a vocal advocate for social justice issues like police reform.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones declined to comment directly on Prescott’s statement but emphasized the team’s commitment to unity. “We’re here to play football and represent our fans,” Jones said. The Cowboys, who recently acquired wide receiver George Pickens to bolster their offense, are focusing on Prescott’s recovery and leadership for a 2025 playoff push under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

The NFL issued a statement reinforcing its support for Pride Night: “Football is for everyone, and we encourage all teams to celebrate inclusivity.” The league has faced similar pushback before, with former players like Ryan O’Callaghan and Jeff Rohrer defending Pride initiatives as essential for supporting the LGBTQ community within sports.

As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, Prescott’s comments have added fuel to an ongoing debate about the role of social issues in sports. Whether his stance will impact his leadership or the team’s public image remains to be seen. Fans can follow the Cowboys on X for updates on this developing story.