image1-1Dak is currently a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He is a 23 years old. He is the son of Nathaniel and the late Peggy Prescott. He has two older brothers and an older sister from his father’s previous marriage. Dak’s parents split when he was very young and he was raised with his two older brother by his mother Peggy who worked long hours at the Huddle House. Dak learned to throw the football in the field behind his trailer in Pine Creek Estates Mobile Home Park in Princeton, LA.

Dak’s brother, Tad, stated “No stage has been too big for him, it’s his upbringing. It’s being multiracial.” They are Caucasian, African American, and Native American. His brother stated “We see all sides of everything, and we know what there is really nothing to be upset about. Our mom taught us the difference between the need and the want.”

Dak was extremely close to his mother and she was hard on him. They struggled financially growing up and he never had a car while in high school, but she made sure he got back and forth to practice every day. His mother set a good example about working hard and she was his toughest critic. Past coaches have said she instilled in him an indescribable work ethic.  Dak’s mom was diagnosed with colon cancer during his freshman year at Mississippi State. On November 20, 2013 she lost her battle with cancer. Dak wears a blue bracelet with the number 4 on it and the acronym M.O.M which stands for what his mother taught him. Mind. Over. Matter.  It also says “Prescott Pride.”  He chose the jersey number four because his mother’s birthday was September 4th. He still continues to text’s her before each game.

Peggy’s brother explained how tough she was, he stated “I mean, she was dating a black man in the deep south in 1979.” She was the daughter of a high school principal and she was shunned when she dated Nate Prescott who was black. People made jokes behind her back and some friends became enemies. She received whispers and dirty looks when she took her multiracial children in the grocery store. Peggy’s brother said Peggy didn’t care. She preached kindness and acceptance to her children and she got joy from helping others. Dak’s brother states that he believes his moms confidence in who she was gives them confidences in who they are.  Dak has stated “I am who I am, what you see is what you get. I don’t care what anyone says. I am who I am.”

On the day he got his letter of intent from Mississippi State his mother showed him the scholarship papers from LSU. Dak choose Mississippi State because he said “I want to go where I’m the difference, I want to make something out of nothing. I want to be the reason someone is great.” During his career at Mississippi State he set 15 career records, 15 season records, and eight game records. He led his team to a No. 1 overall ranking in 2014 and an Orange Bowl appearance.

Dak said “From a little kid, the moment I picked up a football, I’ve been a Cowboy’s fan and I wanted to play in the NFL.” Dak now has his opportunity and he is shinning. The Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reports, “He’s better than anybody thought he was.” I am sure we will be hearing much more about Dak Prescott.

  • Makensie Shay McDaniel, Project Race Teens President