Dak Prescott Reminds Teammates to Support the ‘Unsung Heroes’ with Holiday Bonuses
Although the Dallas Cowboys have been mathematically eliminated from the 2025 NFL playoffs, quarterback Dak Prescott is ensuring the team’s support staff remains a priority this holiday season.
A recent episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East, which aired Dec. 23, provided a rare look at a long-standing locker room tradition led by Prescott. The veteran signal-caller was filmed organizing a collective holiday bonus pool, urging his teammates to contribute generously to the behind-the-scenes employees who facilitate the team's daily operations.
"This is something we've done every year," Prescott, 32, told the roster as he stood before a spreadsheet detailing the contribution process. "Everyone has a sheet. It's all going to add up once all of our money goes into that pot."
Prescott encouraged his teammates to specifically consider the "unsung heroes" of the facility, including the staffers who snap balls for the offensive line, those who hold dummies for defensive drills, and the equipment managers who maintain the locker room.
"Give more to the guys that work with you," Prescott said, before concluding with a direct plea: "Don’t be cheap."
The footage offers a unique glimpse into the internal culture Prescott has fostered over his 10-year career. While the Cowboys (7-8-1) saw their postseason hopes officially end following a Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the quarterback has remained vocal about maintaining professional standards and showing appreciation for the organization's workforce.
The support staff—many of whom work grueling hours for a fraction of a player’s salary—receive the bonuses as a "thank you" for their season-long dedication. Prescott, who signed a historic $240 million contract extension earlier this season, noted that the gesture is a vital part of the "brotherhood" within the star-studded franchise.
The Cowboys concluded their holiday week with a 30-23 victory over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. Despite the win, both teams remain on the outside of the playoff picture as the regular season draws to a close.