Dallas Cowboys will stay over in D.C. after game to visit African American museum

The Dallas Cowboys have a special trip planned for next Monday (Oct. 22) following Sunday’s NFC East showdown at the Washington Redskins. Rather than flying home after the game as they normally do, the Cowboys will spend an extra night and visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, reports the Star Telegram. Shocked that the Cowboys would be visiting the African American Museum rather than owner Jerry Jones’ good buddy President Donald Trump at the White House? “We just thought it was a great opportunity because of proximity,” Jones told the newspaper. “It means so much to the players but also the National Football League and our game. Here we are in the nation’s capital and wanted to take the time to do that. We are making a big effort to go over there.” Added the team’s executive vice president Stephen Jones: “It’s something our players had been talking about and wanted to do. We support them.” Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said the trip was actually something that Garrett brought to the player leadership council and everyone quickly got on board. “It’s huge, I’m excited for it,” 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.” The timing was right for the Cowboys to stay over and make the visit because they have a bye following the Redskins game. Monday is their normal day off. In the past, they have practiced just Wednesday and Thursday during bye while also taking Friday off. The NMAAHC opened Sept. 24, 2016, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., occupying a prominent 5-acre location next to the Washington Monument. The nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The museum was created in 2003 by an act of Congress, establishing it as part of the Smithsonian.