The Washington Commanders are facing the Dallas Cowboys in the Week 12 game, and Jay-Z made headlines by showing up. His appearance at Northwest Stadium added a touch of celebrity intrigue to the NFC East matchup amidst the high-energy matchup.
Jay-Z Has 99 Problems, an NFL Game Isn’t One
Once interested in buying the Commanders in 2023, Jay-Z was part of a high-profile list of potential buyers, including big names like Jeff Bezos and Byron Allen, before Josh Harris ultimately acquired the team for $6.05 billion. The music star, now worth an estimated $2.5 billion thanks to ventures like Roc Nation, was spotted by NBC Sports’ JP Finlay alongside Fanatics founder Michael Rubin.
The NFL’s official page on X (formerly Twitter) gave a shoutout to the rapper with a post, writing, “Jay-Z in DC [football emoji].”
Jay-Z in DC 🏈 pic.twitter.com/GPxqIzNI0z
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
With the Commanders sitting at 7-4 and the Cowboys at 3-7, Jay-Z’s presence made the game more memorable for fans who are excited to see the Dallas Cowboys deal with Dak Prescott’s absence and the Washington Commanders’ display against them.
In a season that’s seen celebrities like Taylor Swift at Chiefs games, Jay-Z’s appearance only added to the buzz, especially given his past interest in joining the NFL ownership ranks.
Dallas Cowboys Lose Two More Players to Injuries
The Cowboys are set to face the Commanders without two key players, right guard Zack Martin and CB Trevon Diggs. It adds to the extensive injury list that America’s Team faces this season.
Confirming the news, NFL reporter Adam Schefter wrote via X, writing, “Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs and G Zack Martin will not travel with the team to Washington and now have been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.”
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs and G Zack Martin will not travel with the team to Washington and now have been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
Also, Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks was not activated today and he will not play Sunday vs. Washington.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 23, 2024
Martin (ankle/shoulder) and Diggs (groin/knee) are the latest high-profile absences. Their combined cap hits surpass $30 million, adding to a massive chunk of the team’s payroll sidelined with injuries, including stars like Dak Prescott and DeMarcus Lawrence.
According to ESPN, Brandin Cooks has returned to practice after a knee issue. Still, he remains off the active roster, leaving the offense to adjust with tackle Chuma Edoga and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland activated from injured reserve to provide depth.
Martin’s absence means T.J. Bass will step in at right guard, and DaRon Bland is finally set to make his season debut, filling a critical role in the secondary with Diggs and others out. This wave of injuries comes just days before the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day matchup against the New York Giants, making Martin’s recovery particularly crucial for the short turnaround.