It wasn’t about Downs’ playing career, which included three All-American honors in three seasons. Instead, Jones’ compliment was more focused on Downs’ demeanor and his potential as a leader — inspired by a current team leader he’s seen for over a decade now.
“He reminds me of Dak [Prescott],” Jones said. “He really does. He’s a pied piper.”
It hasn’t taken long for Prescott to understand the comparison.
“Just honestly, I can say in just the month or whatever I’ve been around the kid and watching the kid, hell, I think I take it as a compliment when those comparisons come around,” Prescott told The Dallas Morning News.
Even in that limited work, however, Prescott has been impressed with Downs.
Prescott — speaking with The News after taking a Cowboys fan on a fishing trip in Port Aransas through an AT&T sweepstakes — said he had heard about Downs prior to meeting him. Seeing him in person backed up what he heard.
“How professional he is, how calm he is; quiet, yet confident,” Prescott said. “It’s contagious. You feel it. He’s a man who’s sure of who he is. When you are that way in this business you know you can speak up, speak out. You can say things you believe and age doesn’t really matter, because you know you’re doing the right thing.”
Downs has proven his confidence before. Former Ohio State star receiver Cris Carter wore No. 2 for the Buckeyes. He recently told the story of how he first met Downs. He saw him on the field before the game and told him that you have to be a “bad dude” to wear that number at Ohio State.
“I consider myself the best to ever wear it.”
Downs, according to Carter, then slowly turned and smiled and said, “until now.”
This past weekend, another NFL Hall of Famer was impressed by meeting Downs. Former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, in a video captured by the team, was seen giving a handshake and a hug to Downs after Irvin and other former Cowboys came to the facility for “Legends Day.” After saying bye, Irvin could be heard saying “that boy’s a bad boy.”
Downs’ reputation already set high expectations for him. The way he’s carried himself in a short time with the Cowboys has added to it.
Downs is quick to say that he has a lot of work to do. He’s shown it with his new teammates too, but he’s already off to a good start — especially with the team’s undisputed leader.
“He’s a guy that’s a leader just by the way that he carries himself and the way he approaches it,” Prescott said. “I know he’s leading that rookie class but he understands the way that the locker room goes and what it means to earn veteran’s trust and to get their respect. He’s a humble kid that’s coming in there each and every day quiet and grinding.”