Beyond the Field: Dak Prescott’s Quiet Fight Against Cancer

When people hear the name Dak Prescott, most think of the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, known for his composure under pressure and undeniable talent. But behind the helmet and game-day stats is a man shaped by personal loss—and a powerful mission that extends far beyond football.

Dak Prescott’s mother, Peggy Prescott, passed away in 2013 after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. Her death devastated Dak, who was still in college at the time. But instead of letting the pain consume him, he turned it into purpose.

In 2017, Prescott launched the Faith Fight Finish Foundation, named after his mother’s personal motto. Its mission is to invest in cancer research, support families affected by cancer, and promote mental health awareness. It’s a legacy not only to honor Peggy’s memory but to uplift others who face the same battles she once did.

“She taught me strength. She taught me to fight with everything I have,” Prescott once said in an emotional interview. “This foundation is about giving people that same strength.”

What sets Prescott apart isn’t just that he gives back—it’s how quietly and consistently he does it. He doesn’t rely on press releases or photo ops. Many of his hospital visits go undocumented, and his foundation frequently supports families without fanfare. To him, it’s not about headlines—it’s about healing.

In 2020, when COVID-19 overwhelmed hospitals, Prescott personally donated over $1 million toward cancer patients and frontline healthcare workers, ensuring treatment could continue uninterrupted for those in critical need. That same year, his foundation funded mobile cancer screening units across Texas, helping underserved communities get access to early detection.

One of the most moving stories involved a single mother in Fort Worth diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic. With her insurance dropped and treatment delayed, she faced impossible choices—until Prescott’s foundation stepped in to cover her medical expenses in full. She later shared, “I didn’t think anyone cared. Then I got a call from Dak’s team, and everything changed.”

Prescott’s fight doesn’t stop at cancer. He has also become a major advocate for mental health, inspired in part by his brother Jace’s tragic suicide in 2020. Combining both missions—fighting cancer and mental illness—Prescott believes no one should have to struggle in silence.

“Loss teaches you what really matters. Football is my job. But this… this is my calling,” he said in a heartfelt speech during the 2022 ESPY Awards, where he was honored for his advocacy.

As of 2025, the Faith Fight Finish Foundation has raised over $5.3 million for cancer research and mental health programs. The organization partners with local hospitals, schools, and nonprofits, and recently launched a scholarship fund for students who lost parents to cancer.

Still, Prescott doesn’t want credit. He wants impact. “If one person gets a second chance because of something we did,” he says, “then it’s worth it.”

In a world where athletes are often defined by stats, contracts, and controversy, Dak Prescott’s story reminds us of a different kind of greatness—the kind that happens when the cameras are off.