Emmitt Smith, the legendary former running back of the Dallas Cowboys, has recently expressed his frustration with the current state of the team. At 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, Smith's passion for the Cowboys remains unabated. His criticisms center on the organization's handling of key personnel, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, as well as broader organizational issues.
Smith's most pointed comments came when addressing the situation of Dak Prescott, who is playing under the final year of his contract. "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." Smith's statement highlights the indispensable nature of Prescott to the team and suggests that management has failed to adequately support him.
The critique extends to CeeDee Lamb, who is currently holding out due to contractual issues. Without Lamb, the pressure on Prescott intensifies. "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 concern is clear: the Cowboys are not setting up their star players for success, a situation he finds unacceptable.
Running back Tony Pollard, another key player, was let go via free agency, which has put additional strain on the team's offensive dynamics. The Cowboys are now leaning heavily on Ezekiel Elliott, a strategy that Smith seems to suggest is unsustainable and shortsighted.
Critical Organizational Concerns
Beyond individual player issues, Smith's criticisms also target the broader organizational philosophy. "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?" This pointed question suggests that Smith believes there is a misalignment somewhere in the Cowboys' long-term strategy.
Smith's comments speak to a frustration that has been building for 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." The emotional weight behind his words underscores a discontent that goes beyond mere disappointment; it's a call for substantive change.
"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 remarked. His observation indicates a belief that while things may appear to be in order externally, there are deeper issues that need to be addressed urgently.
The Next Generation
As the Cowboys navigate these turbulent times, the team’s management will need to address these issues swiftly. Brandin Cooks, currently the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout, will play a crucial role in filling the void left by Lamb's holdout. However, it remains to be seen if his presence will be enough to offset the imbalance.
The discontent among legendary figures like Emmitt Smith serves as a stark reminder of the high standards and expectations set for the Dallas Cowboys. For a franchise that has not seen a Super Bowl victory in over two decades, these comments should resonate deeply within the organization.
As the Cowboys set their sights on the upcoming season, it is imperative that they heed the critiques from their esteemed alumni. Whether it is through better handling of player contracts, strategic acquisitions, or a reevaluation of their overarching organizational goals, changes must be made. Only by doing so can they hope to return to the glory days that figures like Emmitt Smith once epitomized.