Dak Prescott has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL as one of the top quarterbacks. Since entering the league in 2016, he has consistently proved his talent and determination on and off the field. Recently, Dak reached a milestone that no other Cowboy quarterback has ever achieved: being named NFL Offensive Player of The Year. His journey to this amazing accomplishment is truly inspiring, and it is worth taking a closer look at all of the awards he has won thus far.
Dak Prescott, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, is an incredible example of a leader and role model both on and off the field. Named the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Prescott has demonstrated true strength in times of adversity. Through his own personal experiences with depression, he has opened up conversations about mental health awareness within the NFL community.
Prescott has worked tirelessly to make sure that players are able to get the help they need and have access to resources for mental health support. His resilience and courage is truly inspiring – far beyond what happens on Sunday’s game day. His work with charities such as The Mind Body Connection have helped countless others facing their own struggles with mental illness. He is a shining star in an otherwise dark time for many people in our society today who struggle with these issues every day.
Those three words were spoken by his late mother, Peggy, as she battled Stage 4 cancer during his collegiate tenure at Mississippi State. It’s the same three words that helps Prescott inspire many through his national foundation.
The words were simple but powerful, ‘Trust the process.’ That’s what Dak Prescott heard his late mother, Peggy, share with him as she battled Stage 4 cancer during his collegiate career at Mississippi State. The powerful mantra resonated deeply within Dak and guided him through the toughest of times. Now, almost four years after her passing, those same three words have become a cornerstone in Dak’s life as he is being celebrated for a remarkable NFL season that has been loaded with accolades and awards.
Dak was recently named to the Pro Bowl and was also selected as NFL Offensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus in 2020. The NFL also named Prescott NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October and November of last year.
Dak Prescott will be honored this weekend with a special award from the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback is being recognized for his community service, leadership and perseverance in the face of adversity.
When considering Prescott’s accomplishments both on and off the field, it’s impossible to overlook those three powerful words spoken by his late mother, Peggy, as she battled Stage 4 cancer during Prescott’s collegiate tenure at Mississippi State: “Believe in yourself.” Those three words have served as an inspirational reminder for Dak as he has navigated through some of life’s most challenging moments. From sustaining a career-threatening ankle injury in October 2019 to losing his mother to cancer just one year later – Dak has always found strength in her words of encouragement.
Prescott continues to write his own narrative with the Cowboys. However, his NFL story is not just about him. The central theme is reserved for his mother, to which Prescott calls “his why” for continuing to make an impact on and off the field.
“My mother told me when she was diagnosed with cancer that, ‘All greats have a story. Allow me to be your story,'” Prescott said. “She is my ‘why.’ And with these words, just as she does and always did, my mother inspired me and motivated me to be great beyond the circumstances. And it was in her honor I that started my foundation in 2017 and named it Faith, Fight, Finish, the three words she left me and my brothers.”
Prescott became the fourth Cowboys player to win the prestigious award. He joined notable alumni Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Jason Witten.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has achieved a rare feat. He recently joined three NFL legends by becoming the fourth Cowboys player to win The Associated Press’ Most Valuable Player award. His predecessors, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Jason Witten all earned this prestigious recognition in previous seasons.
Prescott was rewarded for his excellent performance during the 2020-21 season and was named MVP unanimously by sportswriters from around the country. This momentous occasion is one that will forever stand out in Cowboys history as well as Prescott’s career. It marks him not only as an incredible football player but also an inspirational leader who has helped propel his team to success on numerous occasions.
Through his foundation, Prescott is focused on four main initiatives. These include colon cancer research, mental health and suicide prevention, assistance to those facing hardships and bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth and the communities they serve.
Each tentpole holds a special spot. Prescott continues to inspire millions in the memory of his mother and late brother, Jace, who died of suicide in 2020.
“I made a promise that it would be one life taken to save many,” Prescott said. “Therefore, I am very thankful for this amazing platform that allows me to do just that. Share the story of my mom and my brother and hopefully inspire so many others.”
The NFL will make a $255,000 donation to Prescott’s foundation. The other 31 finalists for the award will receive $55,000 to the charity of their choice.
The NFL has recognized the incredible efforts of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and his charity foundation by awarding him a $255,000 donation. The funds will go to the Prescott Family Foundation, which was established in 2018 to provide access to resources and experiences that improve the lives of those affected with mental health illness and special needs.
This honor is part of the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which is given annually in recognition of an individual’s outstanding volunteer and charity work. Dak was one of 32 finalists chosen for this prestigious award, each receiving $55,000 for their respective charities.
Dak’s charity work has been impressive since he joined the Cowboys in 2016. This past year alone he donated over 25 thousand dollars to different organizations such as Feeding America and Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO).
For Prescott, the award ranks highly on his list of accomplishments. He hopes to continue making a difference in memory of those that love him the most.
“We are all blessed with the obligation to make an impact on our communities and to love our neighbors,” Prescott said. “If each of us can find a way every day, big or small, to make a difference for someone, that love will spread exponentially and that is how we make this world a better place than we found it.”
