OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones ignited a firestorm Monday at the team’s annual training camp opening press conference, delivering pointed remarks about star players Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Dak Prescott that raised eyebrows and stirred tension. The event, held under cloudy Southern California skies, marked the start of the Cowboys’ 2025 training camp but quickly shifted focus from football to friction.
Jones, joined by executive vice president Stephen Jones and new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, addressed a packed room of reporters. The conversation turned heated when questions about Micah Parsons’ ongoing contract negotiations surfaced. The All-Pro edge rusher, seeking a record-setting extension, reported to camp despite the unresolved deal. Jones praised Parsons’ presence but then veered into criticism, noting the linebacker missed games last season due to injury. He suggested that signing a player doesn’t guarantee availability, a comment that landed as a jab at Parsons’ durability.
The owner didn’t stop there. Jones turned his attention to cornerback Trevon Diggs, who will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from knee surgery. Diggs faced a $500,000 salary reduction for missing offseason workouts, a decision Jones defended bluntly. He emphasized that high-paid players must lead by example, implying Diggs fell short by rehabbing in South Florida with his own specialists rather than under the team’s supervision. The remarks hinted at regret over Diggs’ 2023 contract extension, with Jones questioning whether the team acted too hastily.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, fresh off a massive contract that made him the NFL’s highest-paid player at his position, also caught flak. Jones referenced Prescott’s injury-plagued 2024 season, pointing out the signal-caller missed significant time. The comment framed Prescott’s absence as a cautionary tale for future deals, casting a shadow over the quarterback’s leadership and reliability.
The presser took an unexpected turn when Jones mused about past decisions, questioning whether the Cowboys moved too quickly to extend Diggs and offensive tackle Terence Steele. His candid remarks suggested second thoughts about the team’s investment in both players, further fueling the narrative of discord. Stephen Jones attempted to soften the blow, explaining that players have different approaches to contract timing, but the damage was done.
Parsons, active on social media, appeared to respond by sharing a post critical of Jones’ approach, signaling his frustration. The exchange underscored a growing rift as the Cowboys navigate high-stakes contract talks with their star pass rusher. Fans and analysts flooded social media with reactions, some decrying Jones’ public critiques as divisive, while others saw it as a calculated push for accountability.
As the Cowboys prepare for their first practice Tuesday, the focus remains on Jones’ words rather than the field. The team, carrying Super Bowl aspirations, now faces questions about locker room unity. With Parsons, Diggs, and Prescott under scrutiny, Jones’ outspoken style has set a contentious tone for the 2025 season.
View The Cowboys Schedule Here
In case You Missed It Kyle Larson Shared Big News
