FRISCO - In football, the most popular guy in town is always the backup quarterback. As Dallas Cowboys training camp approaches, Joe Milton is feeling that love now.
But how long will the feeling last?
And what does being the new No. 2 QB Joe Milton have to do with posing a threat to the starting job of Dak Prescott?
Fans who apparently know how good Cooper Rush was filling in for Dak are now giddy about the prospects of Milton. There are even some fans and analysts predicting that the Cowboys will have a new starter this season.
As it regards Dallas' plan ... those fans ansd analysts are wrong.
Much of the wild speculation is based on Dak's nine seasons - very good ones when healthy - vs. one single game by Milton. He starred in a meaningless regular-season finale for the New England Patriots in 2024, throwing and running for touchdowns.
At 25 and with dual-threat athleticism, Cowboys fans - and some media - immediately began singing Milton's praises this offseason. Some of the wildest rumors even predicted the Cowboys would trade Dak to the Cleveland Browns and give the starting job to Joe before a single training-camp snap.
Prescott is in the prime of his career. As the highest-paid player in NFL history, smart critics can agree it's time for him to deliver at the very least a winning playoff run.
But is Milton actually threatening to take his job?
Nope.
But what about the marvel of these videos that show him running and spinning and backflipping and throwing a "dime''?
Politely ... Nope.
The Cowboys signed Dak to an extension through 2028 in September that made him the highest-paid quarterback in the game. There is is an "escape hatch'' after the 2027 season.
Want a major change? You'll have to wait until then.
Prescott is under immense pressure to stay healthy, perform as top-10 quarterback and lead the Cowboys to multiple playoff wins this season. Highlights aside, "Bazooka'' Joe is projected to have very little to do with that.