Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Feeling "Sense of Urgency" Ahead of 30th Birthday

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is beginning to feel his football mortality. Speaking at his annual football camp, an event in which local youth visit the Cowboys' training facility for the rare opportunity to play with their heroes, Prescott admitted that he feels an increased sense of urgency as he approaches his age-30 season.

Dak might be one of the “old guys” now but says annual football camp reminds him to keep playing with a youthful spirit. https://t.co/T78BqrUneK
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) July 8, 2023

"One thousand percent," Prescott told Nick Eatman of dallascowboys.com, "Just understanding injuries and what I've been throughout my career and understanding that you don't have forever to play this game. I'm blessed for every moment that I get. Just trying to take it with a sense of urgency."

Prescott has been a victim of the incredible scrutiny that comes with being the starting quarterback of America's Team, and his achievements in the league have gone somewhat underappreciated. He has led his team to three top-five finishes in points scored since 2016, a feat only exceeded by Tom Brady (five times), Drew Brees (five times), and Patrick Mahomes (four times) over that span.

Prescott is right not to take his time at the center of the football universe for granted; he only needs to look at his predecessor. Tony Romo's last healthy season as the Cowboys' starting quarterback was at 34 years old, and injuries have cost Prescott 17 games over the past three seasons. Longevity is never promised in the NFL.

As effective as he's been, Prescott won't command the respect of fans around the league until he wins the big one, and he's right to believe the clock is ticking. Franchise icons Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman both won their first Super Bowls before their age-30 seasons; if Prescott wants to be spoken of in the same breath, he has some catching up to do.