Cowboys QB Dak Prescott thanks late mother during NFL Honors award speech

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has stood in the face of adversity. Prescott, who was named the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year, has felt the sting of life’s difficult moments. From heartbreak to triumph, Prescott remains committed to one absolute truth.

Faith. Fight. Finish.

Those three words were spoken by his late mother, Peggy, as she battled Stage 4 cancer during his collegiate tenure at Mississippi State. It’s the same three words that helps Prescott inspire many through his national foundation.

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"My mother was, and still is, my moral compass," Prescott said during his NFL Honors acceptance speech. "Through my own charitable contributions, I seek to share her strength and courage with the world."

Prescott continues to write his own narrative with the Cowboys. However, his NFL story is not just about him. The central theme is reserved for his mother, to which Prescott calls "his why" for continuing to make an impact on and off the field.

"My mother told me when she was diagnosed with cancer that, 'All greats have a story. Allow me to be your story,'" Prescott said. "She is my 'why.' And with these words, just as she does and always did, my mother inspired me and motivated me to be great beyond the circumstances. And it was in her honor I that started my foundation in 2017 and named it Faith, Fight, Finish, the three words she left me and my brothers."

Prescott became the fourth Cowboys player to win the prestigious award. He joined notable alumni Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Jason Witten.

Through his foundation, Prescott is focused on four main initiatives. These include colon cancer research, mental health and suicide prevention, assistance to those facing hardships and bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth and the communities they serve.

Each tentpole holds a special spot. Prescott continues to inspire millions in the memory of his mother and late brother, Jace, who died of suicide in 2020.

"I made a promise that it would be one life taken to save many," Prescott said. "Therefore, I am very thankful for this amazing platform that allows me to do just that. Share the story of my mom and my brother and hopefully inspire so many others."

The NFL will make a $255,000 donation to Prescott’s foundation. The other 31 finalists for the award will receive $55,000 to the charity of their choice.

For Prescott, the award ranks highly on his list of accomplishments. He hopes to continue making a difference in memory of those that love him the most.

"We are all blessed with the obligation to make an impact on our communities and to love our neighbors," Prescott said. "If each of us can find a way every day, big or small, to make a difference for someone, that love will spread exponentially and that is how we make this world a better place than we found it."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dak Prescott thanks late mother during NFL Honors award speech