Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is facing one of the toughest seasons of his career, and it’s not just because of his recent hamstring injury that ended his season. Even before the injury, things weren’t going well for him on the field.

In a candid interview with David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, Prescott reflected on the challenges he’s faced this year. Watching from the sidelines as the Cowboys fell to the Texans on Monday night brought a flood of emotions.

“The other day, after the game, it just hit me,” Prescott admitted. “Boom, right there. A couple of tears came down. This is going to hurt. It’s going to suck at times. And I’ve come to terms with that. Sometimes, you just have to let it hurt. I’ve learned to accept that pain and still recognize how blessed I am to be where I’m at.”

Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million contract extension before the season, but the weight of the season hasn’t been tied to money. Despite personal joys off the field, his performance on the field has been a struggle.

“Off the field, this has been one of the most joyous times of my life—times I couldn’t have dreamed of,” Prescott shared. “I became a father, got engaged, and started a family. Those are blessings I’ll never take for granted. But on the football field, it’s been the hardest season of my career. Definitely the toughest.”

Prescott was honest about his performance, acknowledging that even before the injury, he wasn’t meeting his own high standards. Statistically, 2024 has been the worst season of his career, and he’s felt the sting of that reality.

“Not playing up to my standards, turning the ball over more than I ever have,” he said. “It’s been uncharacteristic. But, at the same time, I feel mentally sharper than I’ve ever been. I see the game more clearly, I feel more in control mentally. Yet, for whatever reason, it didn’t always translate into execution—for me or the team. That’s been hard to swallow.”

Even with the disappointments, Prescott remains optimistic about his future and his ability to lead the Cowboys forward. He sees this as a moment to learn and grow, despite how painful it is right now.

“There’s still a future for me in this game,” Prescott said confidently. “I know where I’m headed. I know I’ll come back faster, stronger, and better because of how I’m attacking this process.”

The Cowboys are in a period of transition, with a potential rebuild looming in the offseason. Major changes are expected, but one thing remains certain: Prescott will return in 2025 as the team’s starting quarterback, ready to write the next chapter of his career.

For Prescott, this season may be one of heartbreak and growth, but it’s clear he’s determined to use the setbacks as fuel for a brighter future.