Dak Prescott has gotten used to cameras being on him and following him as the Dallas Cowboys‘ starter under center, which would’ve made him a perfect subject for the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback.”
Prescott, however, broke his silence Thursday in Oxnard, California, explaining why he didn’t want the streaming giant to focus on him for the eight-episode show.
Dak Prescott’s Reasons for Denying an Appearance on ‘Quarterback’
Prescott revealed that he was approached about being on the show — which spotlighted former top-10 pick Marcus Mariota, four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, and two-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.
He first admitted, “I haven’t watched it; I’m not a TV guy,” when asked about the docuseries, though he has heard nothing but good things about it.
But when given a follow-up question on why he wasn’t on the program, Prescott said there was no need for extra scrutiny.
“I get enough media. This team gets enough coverage,” Prescott said.
He was in contact with show producer Peyton Manning last year about the opportunity to be featured in a newer light. And while Prescott denied interest in taking part and admits he’s yet to watch an episode, he did hear the stars of Quarterback felt the extra cameras didn’t rattle their focus.
“Obviously, credit to the guys that did do [the show]. [Manning] did mention that all three of the guys would say it wasn’t a distraction, and I believe that.”
But again, Prescott is already used to having more than one camera on his face as QB1 of a renowned franchise.
“As I’ve said, I’ve been around this organization, we’ve had cameras here and there,” Prescott said. “And I haven’t always felt like they were a distraction. But [it’s] just not something that I’m into to be honest with you.”
Who Else Turned Down Netflix’s Quarterback?
Prescott wasn’t the only notable Pro Bowl passer who said no to having the Netflix cameras around him.
Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams was another who was revealed to have rejected being featured. But his reasons were detailed by his wife, Kelly, on her The Morning After podcast.
“He didn’t do it for a couple reasons. He’s private, he also didn’t want to put his teammates through it,” Kelly Stafford explained. “It was also the first year. He wanted it to kind of figure itself out so he knows what all to expect. He’s like, ‘I don’t want my teammates to deal with cameras in the locker room. Here, there, whatever.’ Which I respect. I love that he thinks of those things.”
That decision eventually became a solid one for Stafford, as the Rams endured a 5-12 meltdown following their Super Bowl 56 title run. Plus, like Prescott, Stafford deals with his own extra attention being in the L.A. market.
Kelly Stafford added on her podcast: “You guys know how private my husband is. You know how I’m not private; (expletive) I have a podcast explaining my entire life. But it’s also, I respect that.”
Stafford joined the following passers who turned down Quarterback:
- Jalen Hurts: Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler who guided the franchise to their fourth NFC title last season.
- Justin Fields: Chicago Bears QB1 who finished the season rushing for more than 1,000 yards, becoming only the third QB in NFL history to reach that feat alongside Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson.
- Tua Tagovailoa: Miami Dolphins quarterback who produced career-best marks in 2022 but also was involved in controversy over his team’s handling of his concussions.
- Sam Howell: Washington Commanders quarterback who only had one start last season but is projected to be the starter in D.C. this fall.
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