Cowboys News: Longtime staffer passes away, Dak Prescott declined Netflix QB show
- A longtime Dallas staff member has passed away
- Dak Prescott declined an approach from Peyton Manning
By Jerry Trotta
Those who have been lucky enough to visit Texas Stadium and AT&T Stadium over the last 30 years have possibly run into Phil Whitfield, a beloved stadium employee who famously could unlock any door in the building.
It's with great sadness we write that Whifield passed away this week at the age of 62.
Whitfield joined the Cowboys organization in 1993 and worked as a security guard for both stadiums before he was named Art Ambassador for the Cowboys Art Collection. Whitfield was given the title in 2009 when Dallas migrated over to AT&T Stadium and had held it ever since.
Whitfield's many roles included helping announce the team's cheerleading squad on long-standing show "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team."
During his time with the organization, Whitfield formed a close relationship with owner Jerry Jones and his wife, Gene.
Gene Jones released this statement on Whitfield's passing.
We send our condolences to Whitfield's loved ones during this difficult time.
Dak Prescott declined appearing on Netflix's "Quarterback."
In other Cowboys news, Dak Prescott revealed after Thursday's practice that he declined an approach from Peyton Manning to have a star role in Netflix's acclaimed "Quarterback" series. The show moved forward with a trio of Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota.
Prescott's reason for declining the offer will give Cowboys fans chills.
Part of Prescott's answer included asking Manning if it was something he would do ahead of a pressurized season. Is Prescott's decision a reflection of Manning's answer? Who knows, but this is yet another display of elite leadership from the Cowboys quarterback.
He understands the coverage Dallas already draws. A "Hard Knocks" level of publicity wouldn't do the team any favors, especially if the spotlight mostly centered on Prescott.
As cool as it would've been to get a behind-the-scenes look on Prescott and the Cowboys, QB1 ultimately decided what was best for the team ... again.
Dak Prescott sends clear message to Cowboys about Zack Martin's contract holdout
On top of rejecting Peyton Manning, Prescott was asked about Zack Martin's training camp holdout amid frustration with his contract.
Prescott gave the Cowboys' brass a simple three-word message:
You heard him!
All jokes aside, we wouldn't worry too much on the Martin front. Tyler Smith told reporters Martin texted the offensive line, saying "You all set the tone. I'll be there soon."
Chills, again.
Negotiations could take time, but it seems like a matter of time until Martin is back out there with his teammates.