Dak Prescott confronts tunnel heckler after Cowboys' loss to Buccaneers

Prescott addressed a tunnel heckler who called the loss embarrassing, while coach Brian Schottenheimer said the incident would motivate the team.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:10:25 GMT

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott reacted to a tunnel heckler who shouted "embarrassing" after the Cowboys' 24-16 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night, according to video and post‑game remarks.

What happened

During the post‑game walk from the field to the locker room at AT&T Stadium, a man heard in the tunnel yelled the word "embarrassing" within earshot of Prescott. The man, identified by ESPN as a third‑party contractor working at the stadium, continued speaking, prompting Prescott to look back and respond while still walking.

What the reports add

Bleacher Report noted that Prescott said, "When he said it, I just happened to look at him… If you're saying it's embarrassing, say it to me. Don't go back on it," and quoted head coach Brian Schottenheimer calling the incident "motivating" for the team. The Los Angeles Times added that the heckler may have said something like "you heard me," and that Prescott replied, "You say it once I look off, huh?" before later telling a Cowboys employee, "Tough guy. Get his ass out of here." The Times also reported that the Cowboys had not responded to a request for comment on Friday.

What was said

Prescott told reporters, "He's free to speak his mind," after acknowledging the heckler's comment. He also said, "You say it once I look off, huh?" and later, "Tough guy. Get his ass out of here," according to the Los Angeles Times. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the situation was "motivating" and affirmed the team believes in what they're doing, as reported by Bleacher Report.

How it came about

The incident followed the Cowboys' unexpected loss to a winless Buccaneers team that featured undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels. The defeat came after a period of strong individual performance from Prescott, who had broken the franchise touchdown record earlier in September (see Felo coverage). The loss and subsequent heckling have added pressure on the Cowboys as they seek to rebound.

Key facts

The Dallas Cowboys lost 24-16 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (bleacherreport.com)
A man in the AT&T Stadium tunnel yelled "embarrassing" within earshot of Dak Prescott. (latimes.com)
Prescott said the heckler was "free to speak his mind" and responded with "You say it once I look off, huh?" and "Tough guy. Get his ass out of here." (latimes.com)
Coach Brian Schottenheimer called the incident "motivating" for the team. (bleacherreport.com)

Where accounts differ

Exact words spoken by the heckler after the initial "embarrassing" shout: The person said something else, not quoted. (bleacherreport.com); The heckler possibly said "you heard me." (latimes.com)
Exact phrasing of Prescott's immediate reply: Prescott said "If you're saying it's embarrassing, say it to me. Don't go back on it." (bleacherreport.com); Prescott said "You say it once I look off, huh?" (latimes.com)