“You’d Have a Super Bowl by Now”—Dak Prescott’s Bold Claim to Mike Tomlin Resurfaces, and Steelers Fans Can’t Stop Talking
PITTSBURGH, PA — In a resurfaced report that’s reigniting NFL debate circles, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reportedly once made a bold declaration to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during the pre-draft process: “If you guys draft me, you’ll have a Super Bowl by now.”
The statement, shared by multiple insiders and recently brought back into the spotlight on social media, came during Prescott’s draft interview with the Steelers in 2016. At the time, the Mississippi State standout was a mid-round prospect flying under the radar behind bigger names like Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.
The Steelers ultimately passed on Prescott, selecting other positions in the 2016 NFL Draft — a decision that now has fans wondering what if?
🔁 A Missed Opportunity?
Dak Prescott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (135th overall) and quickly became one of the biggest draft steals of the decade. Thrust into the starting role after Tony Romo’s injury, Prescott delivered a standout rookie season, throwing for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns, and leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have remained competitive since 2016 but have struggled to return to Super Bowl contention. Veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2022, and the team has since been searching for long-term stability under center.
Fans and analysts alike are now speculating on how the franchise’s trajectory might have shifted had they taken Prescott when they had the chance.
🗣️ Social Media Reacts
The viral quote sparked a wave of reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit:
@SteelCurtain88: “Imagine Dak under Tomlin’s system with that 2016 defense and Bell-Brown duo. Sheesh.”
@NFLInsiderZone: “Dak told no lies. Steelers haven’t had a franchise QB since Big Ben, and they had a shot.”
@CowboysFanTX: “Steelers fans can wonder, but Dak’s ours. We ain’t trading.”
🧠 A Quarterback What-If for the Ages?
In hindsight, Prescott’s confidence may not have been misplaced. While he has yet to reach the Super Bowl with Dallas, he’s led the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances, racked up two Pro Bowl selections, and has been a model of durability and leadership.
For the Steelers, the post-Roethlisberger era has brought challenges in finding a consistent offensive identity. The emergence of young talent like Kenny Pickett has shown flashes, but questions remain.
Prescott’s hypothetical tenure in black and gold remains one of the great “what-ifs” of modern NFL draft history — and his reported words to Tomlin only add to the legend.
🏈 Looking Ahead
As Dak enters another pivotal season in Dallas with renewed expectations and a retooled offense, the Steelers are doubling down on their rebuild under Tomlin, betting on youth and defense to return to championship form.
But fans in Pittsburgh — and around the league — can’t help but wonder: What if they’d just listened to Dak?
