Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sports a distinctive emblem on his jersey, mandated by an NFL rule.
Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback, had a remarkable year in 2022. Not only did he lead his team on the field, but he also shone off it, earning him the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is the league's most prestigious honor, named after the legendary Walter Payton, who played for the Chicago Bears. This award recognizes players who best embody the greatness and compassion of Walter Payton, both on and off the field.
Prescott's jersey proudly displays the logo of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, stitched into the left-hand side. The logo, which resembles the trophy's shape, is a testament to his achievements.
Last season, Prescott suffered an injury during a Week 9 game, tearing his hamstring. He had to sit out the rest of the season, but he's back and fully fit, aiming to get the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl.
The Cowboys kick off the new season with a trip to Super Bowl holders, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Thursday, September 4. The game will be live on talkSPORT 2.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award has not been officially announced yet. However, the Cincinnati Bengals have nominated Ted Karras for the award.
Prescott's new contract makes him the highest-paid player in the league, with an annual salary of $60 million. This contract and his recent award are a testament to his value both on and off the field.
It's worth noting that every team has a nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. This award is a way for the league to bring attention to the stars who make a difference beyond the game.
In the past, the list of winners includes notable names like Matt Birk, Jason Witten, Charles Tillman, Thomas Davis Sr., Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Eli Manning, J.J Watt, Chris Long, Calais Campbell, Russell Wilson, Andrew Whitworth, and Cam Hayward, among others.
The rule allowing players who win the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award to wear a patch on their jersey during games was introduced in 2017. Prescott and Russell Wilson are two players who currently wear this patch, with Wilson set to continue wearing it during the 2025/26 season.
Commissioner Roger Goodell considers the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award as a way to highlight the league's most prestigious honor. As Prescott continues to excel both on and off the field, he is undoubtedly living up to the spirit of the award.