Dak Prescott Leads Cowboys’ Holiday Bonus Tradition with a Message of Gratitude
Dak Prescott isn’t just leading the Dallas Cowboys on the field-he’s setting the tone off it, too. In the latest episode of Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East, the veteran quarterback took a moment to rally his teammates for something bigger than football: giving back to the unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Prescott, speaking candidly in a team meeting, called on his fellow Cowboys to dig into their own pockets and contribute to a holiday bonus pool for support staff-those often-overlooked individuals who keep the team running smoothly day in and day out.
“Obviously, we get paid well, coaches get paid, you’ll see support staff, some of these guys get paid very well,” Prescott told the team. “However, these other people that do a lot for us, we want to help contribute to them, just to say thank you.”
It’s not a new initiative for the Cowboys. Prescott explained that this has become an annual tradition within the locker room-a way to show appreciation to the people who rarely get the spotlight but are essential to the team’s success.
“This is something we’ve done every year,” Prescott said. “Everybody has a sheet, it’s all gonna add up once we … all of our money goes into that pot.”
The idea is simple but powerful: players can allocate more of their contribution to the staff members they work with most closely. Whether it’s the equipment team making sure everything’s game-ready, the trainers keeping bodies in shape, or the guys holding dummies in practice, everyone gets recognized.
“Give more to the guys that work with you, right?” Prescott said.
“The guy that’s snapping the ball with the O-line, guy that’s holding the dummies for the D-line, right? The guys that take care of your equipment, where they clean your lockers, that’s an opportunity to give them more.”
And he ended his message with a straight-shooter’s reminder: “Don’t be cheap.”
Prescott’s leadership in this moment reflects a broader culture around the NFL during the holidays-where quarterbacks often take it upon themselves to show love to the people in the trenches with them.
Patrick Mahomes, for example, went all out this year for his offensive line. The Chiefs QB gifted each lineman a luxury package that included a Hublot watch, Beats Studio Pro headphones, an indoor golf simulator, Oakley Meta HSTN AI sunglasses, a Rimowa aluminum suitcase, and an Aventon e-bike. That’s not just a thank-you-it’s a full-blown VIP experience.
Meanwhile, up in Buffalo, Josh Allen and his wife Hailee Steinfeld kept things grounded-and delicious. According to Alysha Monet, wife of Bills offensive tackle Alec Anderson, the All-Pro quarterback gifted each member of his O-line “a quarter of a cow,” along with a steak searer to go with it. That’s a freezer full of gratitude and a grill-ready holiday bonus.
Back in Dallas, Prescott’s approach might not be as flashy, but it’s deeply meaningful. It’s about recognizing the people who make NFL Sundays possible-from the locker room attendants to the practice squad helpers. It’s about building a team culture where everyone feels valued, not just the guys with their names on the jerseys.
The Cowboys are set to face the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day at 1 p.m. But win or lose, Prescott has already delivered something special this holiday season-a reminder that leadership isn’t just measured in touchdowns or wins. Sometimes, it’s about making sure the people behind the scenes get their moment of appreciation, too.