Cowboys QB Dak Prescott 'Gives Back Non-Stop!’ Mental Health Month Honor
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, something that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has advocated strongly for, helping to normalize the conversation for all athletes.
Back in 2020, Prescott lost his brother Jace to suicide and admitted to battling anxiety and depression in the aftermath of the traumatic event. However, at the time, some media members, such as television personality Skip Bayless were insensitive to his mental health battle.
“I don’t have sympathy for him going public with ‘I got depressed, I suffered depression early in COVID to the point that I couldn’t even go work out,’” Bayless said. “Look, he’s the quarterback of America’s Team.’ You know and I know the sport that you play, it is dog-eatadog. It is no compassion.”
At the time, Bayless speculated that Dak’s public display of “weakness” could cost him the Cowboys’ locker room. Instead, it’s done the opposite, inspiring players of all teams.
New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas received Prescott’s Game-Changer Award during his Faith Fight Finish Foundation’s ceremonial event honoring mental health work.
In addition to his foundation, Prescott contributes to Thomas’ Defensive End Foundation, which helps people from all walks of life improve their mental health. Thomas, who also lost a sibling to suicide, sat down with The Pivot podcast and spoke about receiving the award from Prescott.
“He’s Walter Payton Man Of The Year for a reason,” Thomas said. “He’s given his time to the people. He’s probably gotta be one of the busiest NFL guys being the Dallas Cowboys quarterback. He gives back to the people nonstop. It meant the world to get that from someone of his status.”
Thomas contradicted Bayless, saying that the conversation surrounding mental health has become more understood in NFL locker rooms and that his mental health struggles have never been used against him on the field. He spoke admirably of Prescott’s strength in handling public scrutiny in 2020 during the peak of his mental health battle and referred to him as a friend.
The respect opponents have for Prescott’s strength of character shows that America’s quarterback is a true leader both on and off the field.
You can follow Isaiah DeAnda Delgado on Twitter and Instagram @IsaiahDDelgado.
COWBOYS FISH REPORT … now a podcast! Join us inside The Star, ANY TIME!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?
Follow FishSports on Twitter
Follow Cowboys / Fish on Facebook
Subscribe to the Cowboys Fish Report on YouTube for constant daily Cowboys live reports!
