Dak Prescott: The Story Behind The NFL Star

Just How Wealthy Is Dak Prescott?

Let me tell you about Dak Prescott. This guy's got a net worth of $90 million, and he’s pulling in $60 million a year. Not too shabby, right? Now, Dak didn’t start out this way. He’s worked his tail off to get where he is today. Prescott played college football at Mississippi State, where he didn’t just play—he shattered records. He was an All-SEC honoree, and it wasn’t long before the Dallas Cowboys noticed him. They drafted him in the fourth round in 2016, and the rest, as they say, is history.

But here’s the kicker: Dak wasn’t supposed to be the starting quarterback as a rookie. Fate had other plans. Tony Romo got injured, and Dak stepped into the spotlight. Not only did he hold his own, but he crushed it. He led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in his first season, and he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Dak didn’t just prove himself—he became the face of the franchise. Over the years, he’s taken the Cowboys to the playoffs multiple times, earned two Pro Bowl nods, and signed a massive four-year, $240 million deal in 2024, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

From Louisiana to the Big Leagues

Early Days in Sulphur

Rayne Dakota Prescott was born on July 29, 1993, in Sulphur, Louisiana. His mom, Peggy, worked tirelessly as a truck stop manager to keep the family afloat while Dak was growing up. Football was always in his blood. At Haughton High School, he was the quarterback for the Buccaneers and led them to a championship. He earned a scholarship to Mississippi State, where he dominated the field. Over four years, Dak set 38 school records and won the Conerly Trophy twice. He was a two-time First-team All-SEC selection, proving that he was destined for greatness.

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Breaking Into the NFL

When the Dallas Cowboys picked Dak with the 135th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, no one could’ve predicted what was about to happen. He was supposed to be Tony Romo’s backup, but injuries changed everything. Prescott took over as the starting quarterback in the preseason and never looked back. He won both the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year and the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year awards. He even made the Pro Bowl that year. Dak started all 16 games and threw for 23 touchdowns and 3,667 yards. He helped the Cowboys secure the top seed in the NFC and broke several rookie quarterback records. Since then, the Cowboys have won two more division titles under his leadership, and he earned another Pro Bowl nod in 2018.

Big Contracts and Even Bigger Paychecks

Financial Milestones

In 2018, Dak’s base salary was just $600,000, but everyone knew a big deal was on the horizon. There were rumors that he’d sign a $100 million extension, maybe even $140 million to match Jimmy Garoppolo’s deal from 2017. But it didn’t happen. In 2019, Dak turned down a multi-year offer that would’ve paid him $30 million a year. That decision seemed risky when he suffered a serious leg injury later that year, but thankfully, his career wasn’t over.

In March 2021, Dak and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract with $126 million guaranteed. The deal included a $66 million signing bonus, the largest in NFL history at the time. Over the first three years, Dak earned an average of $42 million a year. But his income doesn’t stop there. Over his first eight seasons, Dak made over $131 million in salary alone and another $50 million from endorsements with brands like AT&T, Adidas, Pepsi, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Sleep Number, New Era, Beats by Dre, Direct TV, 7-Eleven, Oikos, and CitiBank.

And then came 2024. Dak signed a four-year, $240 million extension with the Cowboys, making him the highest-paid player in the league and the first NFL player to earn over $60 million in a single season. This guy knows how to negotiate!

Life Beyond Football

Family and Philanthropy

Dak comes from a close-knit family. He’s the youngest of five siblings, including two older brothers, Tad and Jace, an older sister, Natalie, and an older half-brother, Elliot. Tragically, Jace died by suicide in April 2020, and Dak’s mom, Peggy, passed away from colon cancer in November 2013. To honor her memory, Dak founded the Faith Fight Finish Foundation, which helps people overcome adversity. Today, Dak calls Frisco, Texas, home, but his roots in Louisiana remain strong. He’s not just a football star—he’s a family man with a heart for giving back.