In early April 2025, the NFL world was stunned when the New England Patriots traded quarterback Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys, receiving a fifth-round pick in exchange for Milton and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After maintaining silence for over a month, Milton finally spoke out, describing his move to Dallas as a “blessing.” Below, we dive into the four surprising reasons Milton provided to explain why leaving the Patriots for the Cowboys has opened new doors for his career, offering a detailed look at how this trade represents a pivotal moment for the young quarterback.
1. Warmer Weather in Texas
Growing up in sunny Florida, Joe Milton is accustomed to warm climates. During a recent press conference, he openly shared that escaping the harsh, cold winters of Foxborough, Massachusetts, for the milder, warmer weather of Texas was a significant advantage. “I feel more at home in a warm climate, like where I grew up,” Milton stated. The favorable weather in Dallas not only enhances his personal comfort but also supports consistent training. Unlike New England, where snow, ice, and biting winds can disrupt outdoor practice sessions, Texas’ climate allows Milton to train year-round without weather-related interruptions. This change, he believes, will positively impact his physical and mental preparation, enabling him to focus on refining his skills and maintaining peak performance.
2. Indoor Home Stadium of the Cowboys
Another key factor fueling Milton’s excitement is the opportunity to play at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys’ state-of-the-art indoor facility. Unlike Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, an outdoor venue exposed to unpredictable weather conditions such as rain, wind, or snow, AT&T Stadium offers a controlled environment. “You won’t find many quarterbacks who prefer playing in outdoor stadiums,” Milton remarked. The indoor setting eliminates external variables like wind, which can affect pass accuracy, or cold weather, which can impact grip and mobility. For a quarterback like Milton, who relies on precision and arm strength, this stable environment allows him to focus purely on execution, potentially elevating his performance during both practice and games.
3. The Honor of Playing for “America’s Team”
The Dallas Cowboys, widely known as “America’s Team,” carry unmatched prestige in the NFL, with a massive global fanbase and a storied legacy. Milton expressed genuine enthusiasm about wearing the iconic star logo, stating, “Playing for the Cowboys is a dream.” The Cowboys’ high-profile status provides players with a unique platform to elevate their personal brand and connect with fans on a grand scale. For Milton, joining Dallas is not just a professional opportunity but a chance to become part of a franchise with profound cultural significance. He believes the pressure and visibility that come with playing for the Cowboys will push him to perform at his best, motivating him to seize this moment and make a lasting impact.
4. Learning from Dak Prescott
Perhaps the most compelling reason Milton cited is the opportunity to work alongside and learn from Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ established starting quarterback. Prescott, a proven leader who has overcome significant injuries to remain a top-tier NFL quarterback, is an ideal mentor for Milton. “Learning from someone like Dak is incredible,” Milton emphasized. He values Prescott’s experience, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure, seeing these as critical lessons for his own development. As Milton competes for the backup quarterback role, he believes that observing Prescott’s preparation, decision-making, and leadership will accelerate his growth, positioning him to potentially become a starter in the future. This mentorship opportunity is a cornerstone of why Milton views his move to Dallas as a blessing.
A Deeper Look into the Trade
The trade itself sparked intrigue not only due to its terms—the Patriots gave up Milton and a seventh-round pick for a fifth-round pick—but also because of the circumstances surrounding it. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Patriots turned down a more lucrative offer to honor Milton’s preference for joining the Cowboys, where he felt he would thrive. Milton had previously expressed confidence in his ability to compete for the starting quarterback role against Drake Maye in New England. However, with the Patriots signing Joshua Dobbs and building their offense around Maye, Milton’s opportunities in Foxborough were limited. His standout performance in the 2024 season finale against the Buffalo Bills, where he completed 22 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, showcased his potential, but the team’s commitment to Maye made his path to playing time uncertain. The Cowboys, with their dynamic offensive system and Prescott’s mentorship, offer Milton a fresh start and a chance to develop in a system he describes as “more explosive.”
Conclusion
Joe Milton has transformed what initially appeared to be a surprising trade into a golden opportunity to reshape his NFL career. The warmer Texas climate, the controlled environment of AT&T Stadium, the prestige of playing for the Cowboys, and the chance to learn from Dak Prescott have all fueled his optimism and determination. As he embarks on this new chapter with Dallas, Milton is poised to prove that this “blessing” will propel him toward greater success. Will he rise to the challenge and emerge as a standout quarterback for the Cowboys? Only time will tell.