On Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium, a familiar problem was back on the Dallas Cowboys’ turf—and it wasn’t their division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. It was the sun.
The glare from sunlight streaming through AT&T Stadium’s large windows has long been a nuisance during afternoon games. It’s an issue fans and players alike have raised repeatedly, but owner Jerry Jones has remained steadfast in downplaying its significance. This time, however, the spotlight on the matter grew brighter as Cowboys’ wide receiver CeeDee Lamb openly voiced his frustration, advocating for curtains to prevent the interference.
In Sunday’s game, the glare affected visibility so severely that Lamb appeared to miss a potential touchdown pass in the end zone, reportedly due to the blinding sunlight. Postgame, the CBS broadcast highlighted the scene, with commentators Jim Nantz and Tony Romo discussing the sunlight’s impact on Lamb’s visibility and performance.
When questioned about the situation after the game, Jones responded dismissively. “By the way, we know where the sun is going to be when we decide to flip the coin or not. We do know where the damn sun is going to be in our own stadium,” Jones told reporters, seemingly suggesting that the team is well aware of and prepared for this challenge.
Jones continued, “Well let’s tear the damn stadium down and build another one? Are you kidding me? Everybody has got the same thing. Every team that comes in here has the same issues.”
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb on the sun at AT&T Stadium: “I couldn’t see the ball. I couldn’t see the ball, at all. The sun.”
Is he in favor of curtains?
Lamb: “Yes. One thousand percent.”
Did you talk to Jerry Jones about that?
Lamb: “I mean, y’all doing my job right now.” https://t.co/ZiD0ul26L3
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 11, 2024
His remarks suggest that he believes all teams must deal with similar conditions, but it’s worth noting that AT&T Stadium is one of the few venues where sunlight consistently impacts game play. Visiting teams only face this issue once or twice a season, whereas it’s a recurring issue for the Cowboys.
The situation drew further attention when Lamb himself spoke candidly about the issue, confirming that the sun hindered his ability to catch the pass and saying he would “one thousand percent” like curtains installed. Given Lamb’s stature as one of the Cowboys’ premier players, his comments make a compelling case for addressing the problem.
The Cowboys, who can install curtains during non-football events, have yet to use them during games—a decision that has baffled fans and players alike. This minor but fixable problem has persisted, raising questions about whether the organization is disregarding feedback that could enhance performance on the field.
While Jones might downplay the significance of the sun glare, for the Cowboys and their players, it’s an issue that could impact game outcomes. As Lamb’s call for curtains shows, even the team’s top players see it as a problem worth solving. By refusing to address it, the Cowboys risk holding back their own players—players they’ve invested heavily in—by neglecting a controllable factor in their home field conditions.
It’s not a decisive reason for their recent 34-6 loss to Philadelphia or their current 3-6 record, but it’s a reminder that sometimes small fixes can make a big difference. For now, however, Jones seems determined to let the sun shine on.
