Ryan Clark appeared on ESPN’s First Take on Friday with a bold prediction. On the air, the former NFL safety made a statement that caught viewers' attention.
Clark directed his message straight at one specific co-host on the panel. What made this segment unforgettable were the details behind that prediction.
“The Dallas Cowboys had a great draft and an amazing offseason,” Clark said. “Dak Prescott is going to be an MVP candidate.” He then turned the prediction into a joke aimed directly at Stephen A. Smith.
Clark said Smith would be “sad” because he would need to wait until the playoffs for something bad to happen to Dallas. He also joked that Smith would be “bored” if the Cowboys succeeded throughout the regular season.
The trolling worked because Smith reacted exactly how Cowboys fans expected. Smith smirked during Clark’s Cowboys praise, showing visible frustration and disbelief while listening to the optimistic prediction.
The fans enjoyed the moment so much. Smith has spent years publicly trolling Dallas fans, often celebrating their losses and playoff failures. Clark flipped that script by forcing Smith to sit through a pro-Cowboys argument on national television
The former NFL player predicted the Cowboys will finish 12-5 and reach the playoffs this season. According to him, head coach Brian Schottenheimer built a stronger roster.
Prescott threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025 with a 99.5 passer rating. Despite those impressive offensive numbers, the Cowboys still finished just 7-9-1.
Defense was the clear missing piece for Dallas throughout last season. Now, new coordinator Christian Parker leads the unit with rookie Caleb Downs.
If Downs delivers early impact, the entire defense improves fast. A top-20 defense last season could have pushed Dallas into the postseason.
The schedule adds real pressure with an overseas game in Week 3. Following that, a Week 4 noon kickoff and a Thursday night game await.
Surviving that early stretch tests the depth of the roster and the coaching staff. Prescott is playing at his highest level since the 2022 season.
His closest MVP finish came in 2023 when he placed behind Lamar Jackson. Adding George Pickens last season significantly raised the ceiling of this offense.
The last playoff appearance for Dallas came during the 2023 season. With enough evidence presented, even that famous smirk could finally fade.
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