After the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field this Sunday, they’ll stay in the Washington, D.C. area an extra day to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said it was a great opportunity “because of proximity.” Additionally, Dallas has a bye after the Redskins game and doesn’t need to get back and prepare for another opponent.
“It means so much to the players but also the National Football League and our game,” Jones said. “Here we are in the nation’s capital and (we) wanted to take the time to do that. We are making a big effort to go over there.”
Executive Vice President Stephen Jones said players had talked about their desire to see the museum, the largest in the country dedicated to the African American experience.
“It’s huge, I’m excited for it,” quarterback Dak Prescott said. “I think it’s going to be a great trip. We are going to learn a lot and see some things. I think it’s going to be great for our team, great camaraderie.”
Prescott is black, and he drew criticism in the offseason for supporting Jones’ stance against players kneeling for the anthem to protest police brutality against black Americans.
The museum has been open since September 2016 and sits on the National Mall, close to the Washington Monument. The lower floor is dedicated to the history of African migration to North America, slavery and segregation, while the upper floors honor African American art, music, sports and culture.
And the Cowboys won’t be the first team to visit. When the Golden State Warriors were in town to play the Washington Wizards last winter, they took local kids to the museum.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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