Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another installment of “Making Your Mental Health a Priority,” a series of articles where I delve into sports' biggest athletes. If you haven’t read the previous articles, please do so on The Gryd’s blog section. As the great Snoop Dogg once said: “back to the lecture at hand.”
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the bright NFL players in the league. Very active with his foundation, commercials, being among top five in stats, but what happens when a player deals with a personal tragedy and how it triggers so many unknown emotions? This was Dak’s biggest battle away from football and how he coped is where solace and peace came into his journey.
Back in 2020, the most turbulent moment in American history, the biggest offseason of his young career became a big topic among national sports shows. A contract extension loomed as Dak and Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones were in contractual war far as the number of years and amount of money for this new deal. A franchise tag was placed on Dak due to not being able to reach an agreement. But this wasn’t the only issue Dak was battling; his mental health was meshed in trying to stay optimistic.
In April of 2020, Dak received tragic news his older brother Jace had committed suicide. Jace Prescott was his security blanket, who looked out for their mother during her battle with cancer during Dak’s college years at Mississippi State. During which, Dak led the Bulldogs to the number one ranking and the spotlight was on him. In-depth look at Prescott’s bond and love for their mother in a cancer battle. Peggy Prescott was their rock; while Jace made sure Dak stayed focused on football. Tad Prescott was Dak’s eyes and ears in helping him navigate through the biggest moments.
Upon receiving this news, Dak struggled with the reality of how totality took Jace away from him. Nothing else mattered to Dak at this point; no contract could bring his big brother back. This was a turning point in which he asked why Jace? Jace struggled with his own mental health and couldn’t overcome the past. Being an NFL quarterback and your big brother didn’t open about his mental health weighed heavily on Dak.
During an interview prior to Dallas’ road game opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Dak opened up about his struggles with anxiety and depression during the offseason. Detailing Jace’s death and how it affected him moving forward. He signed the franchise tag during training camp and was on the field for week one. But the scrutiny followed on FS1’s “Undisputed” with Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe. Skip lambasted Dak for revealing how he struggled with anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Skip’s take was trending on social media as he went after Dak. Pretty much said Dak couldn’t be the quarterback with mental health issues surrounding the team.
The backlash was so tense current, and former players went after Skip for his insensitive take and needed to be sat down. While the support of Dak was gaining traction, the following day Skip issued an apology. It was a classic public relations move to quiet the noise Skip created in throwing darts at a very serious subject. It was a slap in the face to those who’d been battling mental health issues and how FS1 handled it could’ve been better. If truth be told, Skip should’ve used self-awareness and said: “my deepest condolences to Dak Prescott and his family. I applaud him for being open and coping the best way possible.” Not go straight for the first knockout to a guy who's been everything you’d want in a franchise quarterback.
During the 2020 season and a game against the New York Giants, Dak suffered another setback. A gruesome lower leg injury and his season ending prematurely. Tears ran down his eyes as he was on the medical cart; fans in tears as we watched our guy be wheeled off the field. No new deal beyond 2020, family tragedy and trying to be the best quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott was a warrior and fought every battle along this journey. If there’s one thing nobody can question is faith.
In the months after his surgery, a new contract was in place; Jordan Brand signed him to a lucrative deal. Even being more vocal about his mental health with other athletes. Dak became more than just a quarterback; he was stronger in many areas personally. He gleamed and smiled as he did prior to all the events in his life. Standing before the media knowing his better days were ahead of him.
Dak Prescott has been one of many athletes to go in-depth about their mental health. The fact he was very vulnerable made him have a greater purpose in life. Wearing tape on his wrist with “Ask 4 Help” is visible to see. Players around the league struggled and seeing Dak be a voice gave them courage to do the same. When one leads the way, others will follow to have a sense of acceptance around mental health.
Money doesn’t cure internal unhappiness for athletes. Having the richest contracts, endorsements, all the galore can’t replace mental health issues. Those are temporary amenities which come and go; but none of it matters if your mental health is struggling. Athletes are starting to shift the narrative around breaking the stigma of mental health. Having a platform to use your voices in giving others like me a glimmer of hope in overcoming these issues. We can sit back and critique their play on the field; but winning in life is the biggest championship known to humans. No amount of success means anything without a healthy well-being.
In closing, thank you Dak Prescott for being a voice beyond the playing field. You’re more than a quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. A man of faith, integrity, father to be and brother. Continue to inspire the next generation of athletes to be heard in this battle of mental health. Your work hasn’t gone unnoticed by any means. As always, make your mental health a priority.
Stai tuned.
