Dak Prescott Parents: Peggy and Nathaniel Prescott - Everything You Need to Know

NFL star Dak Prescott honors his late mother Peggy by advocating for colon cancer testing and mental health support.

Nasha Smith is a contributing writer at PEOPLE, where she has been working since 2022. Her words have been featured in a variety of publications, including Condé Nast Traveler, InStyle, Shondaland, Thrillist, Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Forbes, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN's Andscape.

Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, is a high-profile figure in the NFL. However, his off-field persona is that of a devoted son to his father, Nathaniel Prescott, and his late mother, Peggy Prescott.

Dak was born in July 1993, the youngest of three sons, and was particularly close to his mother, who passed away from colon cancer in 2013. Even after he left for college, Dak maintained a close relationship with Peggy, speaking to her every day.

After her passing, Dak created an organization in her honor and was named the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his foundation's work on cancer research. In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his mother, stating that she was his moral compass and the driving force behind his charitable efforts.

Dak also shared a close bond with his father, Nathaniel, who he described as always being there for him. Nathaniel and Peggy were high school sweethearts who maintained a friendship even after their divorce.

The three sons grew up with Peggy in a small town in Louisiana, where they developed a strong bond. Dak, the youngest, recalled competing with his brothers in everything, from sports to everyday activities.

Nathaniel, who once played football at Grambling State University, passed on his love for the game to his sons, who excelled in football at Haughton High School. Peggy was an avid football fan and a vocal presence at all her sons' games.

Even after her cancer diagnosis, Peggy continued to support her sons, making the trip from Louisiana to Mississippi for Dak's home games. Her battle with cancer taught Dak valuable lessons about mental toughness and inspired him to honor her legacy.

Following Jace's death by suicide in 2020, Dak expanded the work of his foundation to include prevention services. The organization, named Faith Fight Finish after Peggy's mantra, aims to empower individuals, families, and communities to find strength through adversity by funding cancer research and providing mental health support.

Dak continues to use his platform to raise awareness about cancer and mental health, honoring his mother's memory and turning his adversity into inspiration. His dedication to his family and his philanthropic efforts reflect the values instilled in him by his parents and serve as a testament to the impact they had on his life.

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