'I Got No Response!' Dak Prescott Meets Jake Ferguson: A 'Drunken' Cowboys Story
The connection between Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb defined the team’s offensive success in 2023, entrenching themselves in discussions for end-of-season awards and making America’s Team a temporary threat in the NFC.
A more surprising development, though, was the rapport between Prescott and second-year tight end Jake Ferguson.
Ferguson came out of left field to be the team’s second-leading receiver by targets, catches, and yards. He thrived running seam routes which Prescott loves to attack and became a secure target over the middle of the field.
Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) celebrates with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after catching a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Their relationship didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts. It can take time for young targets to earn their quarterback’s trust, which Ferguson learned the hard way.
On Cowboys defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins’ YouTube channel, Ferguson recalled a funny story about the first impression he and his quarterback left on each other.
“He texted me right when I got drafted,” Ferguson said. “He’s like, ‘Hey man, welcome to Dallas.’”
“And I’m drunk as hell. I go, ‘Aye, I’m catching everything coming my way!’” Ferguson remembers with a laugh. “I got no response (from him) after that.”
Ferguson would end up catching 19 of 22 targets as a rookie for 174 yards and two scores, an afterthought to Dalton Schultz on the depth chart. The rest of his story, however, takes place during training camp of that season.
“I think he lasered one to me at OTAs, and he goes, ‘I thought you were catching everything!’ And I just started dying laughing.
“The media portrays him crazy, but he’s just a dude, like a funny dude, great guy. I love him, he’s hilarious.”
It’s nice to see another teammate coming to bat for their quarterback given the scrutiny Prescott is constantly under. From being called a “choir boy” to a game manager and all things in between, there’s little doubt about the faith of the locker room and the love Dallas has for its quarterback.
