Cam Newton Questions Dak Prescott’s 2024 Absence: “What’s a Hammy, Bro?”

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are once again on quarterback Dak Prescott. Now fully recovered from a significant hamstring injury that sidelined him for the final nine games of 2024, Prescott is ready to lead his team into a new era. But not everyone is sold on how last season was handled — including former NFL MVP Cam Newton.

Appearing on Johnny Manziel’s “Glory Daze” podcast, Newton raised eyebrows when he questioned Prescott’s decision to undergo surgery on his hamstring instead of playing through the injury. Newton seemed to imply that Prescott, who is among the league’s highest-paid players with a $60 million annual salary, had a responsibility to fight through the pain for the sake of his team.

“When you look at Dak, that’s why he’s measured so high because it’s like bro, you’re making a 60 ball. What’s a hammy, bro?” Newton said. “We need you to go win it. You gotta play for the third and the fourth player that we would have been able to get had you — but it is what it is.”

Prescott’s injury — diagnosed as a partial hamstring avulsion — occurred in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. The injury involved a partial detachment of the tendon from the bone, making it a serious concern for a mobile quarterback. Without Prescott, the Cowboys finished the season 4-5 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 — the same year Prescott suffered a devastating ankle injury that ended his season.

Despite the criticism, Prescott seems unfazed. Speaking earlier this offseason, he gave a positive update on his health and progress, stating, “Pretty much can do it all. Feel good. Just not cleared for contact yet, but we’ve got time. I’m out there in the team activities, feeling great.”

Prescott also addressed public opinion surrounding his toughness and commitment: “People say a lot of things about me, man. I just show up and control what I can control to get healthy. Trying to stay healthy. Feels good. Just trying to push the energy and make sure I continue to get better.”

The 2025 season marks a major turning point for the Cowboys. Mike McCarthy is out as head coach, and former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is stepping into the lead role. The team has also made key moves to strengthen Prescott’s supporting cast — most notably acquiring wide receiver George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’ll line up opposite CeeDee Lamb, forming what could be one of the league’s most dangerous receiver duos.

For Prescott, the new season is a chance to reset and prove doubters wrong. After multiple serious injuries and mounting outside noise, the veteran quarterback remains focused on the only thing that matters: leading his team.

While Cam Newton’s remarks may stir controversy, they also highlight the intense pressure placed on franchise quarterbacks in today’s NFL. With expectations sky-high in Dallas and a revamped roster around him, Dak Prescott now has the opportunity to turn the page — and show everyone exactly “what a hammy” really means.