Dak Prescott is officially in the running for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year - and it’s a nod that carries real weight this time around.
The NFL rolled out its list of finalists for the league’s major awards on Thursday morning, and Prescott stands as the lone Dallas Cowboys representative across all categories - no MVP, no Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year, no Coach of the Year mentions for Dallas. Just Prescott, up for Comeback honors alongside Stefon Diggs, Aidan Hutchinson, Trevor Lawrence, and Christian McCaffrey.
What makes this year’s Comeback Player of the Year race particularly compelling is that all five finalists are bouncing back from legitimate injuries suffered during the 2024 season. That’s not always the case with this award.
In some years, the “comeback” label has been stretched to include players returning from poor performance or off-field issues, rather than physical setbacks. But this time, it’s a true recovery story across the board.
For Prescott, it’s another chapter in a career that’s already seen its share of highs and hard-fought returns. He’s no stranger to adversity - or accolades.
He took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors back in his debut season and later earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a recognition of both on-field leadership and off-field impact. Now, he’s got a shot at adding another piece of hardware to the shelf - one that speaks directly to his resilience.
This nomination doesn’t just reflect a bounce-back from injury; it underscores Prescott’s continued role as a stabilizing force in Dallas, even in a season where the team came up short in the awards conversation. While the Cowboys may not have shown up across the league’s marquee categories, Prescott’s presence here is a reminder that his journey - and his value - remains at the heart of the franchise.
Whether or not he ultimately takes home the award, being named a finalist is a testament to the grit and determination that have defined his career. And if you’ve followed his path through the league, you know those qualities have never been in short supply.