Emmitt Smith Drops Hammer on Cowboys' Management
Emmitt Smith's legacy with the Dallas Cowboys needs no lengthy introduction. He stands as one of the most iconic figures in the franchise's history, boasting a career that many in the NFL can only dream of. Now 55 years old and retired for nearly two decades, Smith remains deeply invested in the team's success, albeit from a distance. Recently, he didn't hold back his criticisms of the Cowboys' management, especially regarding their handling of star players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Smith's pointed critiques come at a precarious time for the Cowboys. CeeDee Lamb, the team's standout wide receiver, is currently holding out due to contractual issues, a situation that has undoubtedly put additional strain on the team. Smith's concern is palpable. "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 remarked.
Smith's frustration doesn't end with Lamb's contract issues. He also took aim at how the management has positioned Prescott, who is now playing under the final year of his contract. The veteran quarterback, considered the franchise's cornerstone, finds himself in a situation Smith deems unfair and stressful. "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 asserted.
The ongoing struggles of the Cowboys cannot be ignored, especially when it comes to their playoff performances—or lack thereof. "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," Smith said, articulating the frustration felt by a dedicated fan base and former players alike.
Additionally, the Cowboys are dealing with other significant roster changes. Brandin Cooks has emerged as the No. 2 wideout, a role that carries immense pressure given Lamb's holdout. Running back Ezekiel Elliott is now being leaned on heavily after the team let Tony Pollard go via free agency. These decisions have created an atmosphere rife with uncertainty, compelling Smith to call for a reassessment of the organization's priorities. "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?" Smith questioned.
The franchise's drought of over two decades without a Super Bowl win looms large in the minds of everyone involved with the team. For Smith, the solutions lie in addressing what he perceives as a disconnect within the organization. "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," he concluded.
Emmitt Smith's insights carry weight, not just because of his storied career, but also due to his continued passion for the team. Whether the Cowboys' management will heed his advice remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the issues raised by Smith will continue to resonate among the Cowboys’ faithful, setting the stage for a critical evaluation of the team's approach and strategies moving forward.