OXNARD, Calif. (AP)
- The Dallas Cowboys commenced their training camp in Oxnard, California, on Thursday.
- Despite ongoing contract negotiations with key players, the focus remains on overcoming playoff hurdles.
- Owner Jerry Jones emphasizes the need to focus beyond regular season success.
— As the Dallas Cowboys commence their training camp, owner Jerry Jones acknowledges the pressing situation surrounding quarterback Dak Prescott, who is entering the final year of his contract. Jones expressed gratitude for the challenges the team faces, emphasizing his focus on achieving a Super Bowl victory, the franchise's first since 1995. He stated, “I’m more about winning the award for the best way to end the season than I am winning the award for showing up at camp with my house in order.” Despite making the playoffs in the last three seasons, the Cowboys have struggled to advance, securing only one postseason win and failing to reach the NFC Championship game. Stephen Jones, the team's executive vice president, referred to the ongoing playoff disappointments as “the elephant in the room,” highlighting the collective awareness among players and staff regarding the need for improvement. Prescott, when questioned about last season's abrupt end, displayed visible frustration, underscoring the team's urgency to overcome past failures. Stephen Jones also mentioned ongoing discussions with the agents for Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb, indicating a proactive approach to contract negotiations. He acknowledged that while he is involved in these conversations, the final decisions may not rest solely with him. Reflecting on the broader context, Jones remarked on the challenges of life and the importance of moving forward despite setbacks, reinforcing the Cowboys' commitment to success in the upcoming season.