A Devasting Injury
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott dropped back to pass and surveyed the New York Giants defense. Finding no one open, he then scrambled out of the pocket and began running downfield. Giants cornerback Logan Ryan then executed what appeared to be a routine tackle of Prescott.
But something very non-routine happened as Prescott was dragged to the ground.
Prescott’s leg bent awkwardly suffering a compound fracture and dislocation of his ankle. His season was over and future, both as a potential free agent Cowboy and NFL player, were suddenly in question.
An Unspeakable Tragedy
But this was not the worst thing to happen to Prescott in 2020.
Six month earlier on April 22, Dak’s brother Jace unexpectedly died as a result of suicide. Dak, as well, was no stranger to mental illness as he had struggled with it as well.
How does someone possibly recover from mental illness, an unspeakable family tragedy, a devastating physical injury, and the potential loss of a career all happening simultaneously?
While every person handles life’s challenges differently and professional assistance is often required, Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop profiled Prescott and gave us a picture into his inspirational journey in its September 15th edition.
Give Thanks In All Circumstance
It sounds counterintuitive but while laying on the field, Prescott remembered a friend telling him to thank God over and over in times of crisis. Even in the midst of tears streaming down his face, that is exactly what Prescott did. He said, “That (thanking God) was my peace in all of this.”
Serve Others
On the day of his injury, Prescott served his teammate, backup quarterback Andy Dalton, by texting him a congratulatory message on winning the game.
He also served his family by texting his Aunt Gilbeaux, “Quit crying; I will be fine. It will be fine.”
Even more astonishingly is how Prescott served others during his recovery. The following is just a short list of his impact off the field in the lives of others:
- Raising money in his mother’s honor for cancer research
- Donated $1 million for police training
- Partnered with three mental health organizations
- Sponsored after-school programs
- Donated thousands of meals to the homeless
- Supported wrongly-accused and incarcerated Julius Jones
It was also during the off-season that team owner Jerry Jones finally awarded Prescott with a well-deserved 4-year contract extension worth $160 million. The quarterback would be the most high-profile player on the NFL’s most high-profile team for the extended future.
At the time of this writing, Prescott is currently playing at a MVP level and many people are projecting a Super Bowl appearance.
The Leader’s Greatest Strength
Because of his background and additional family tragedies not mentioned in this article, Prescott possesses an uncommon mental toughness. He has a unique term for his approach to life. Prescott said, “What I’ve been through, I’ll call it a callused mind. Just another scratch that’ll heal up, that’s make me stronger.”
What is required to develop a callused mind? Prescott reflected, “There’s no way to put into words the fact that, yeah, the last time I was out there, I got my leg snapped, and there was a lot of uncertainty in the world. When you’re doing so much, just being intentional and purposeful, it’s amazing to get to do what you love to do again.”
A callused mind requires focus, intentionality, and purposefulness.
It has been said that hard times bill make us bitter …. or make us better. Prescott has clearly become better, and he’s not done yet. He said, “I’m going to be a better player in every aspect. The things that have happened, they’ve allowed me to be here, but I don’t even know if I’ve reaped the strength yet. What I mean is … that’s to come.”
It was then Prescott gave us his greatest strength.
“Perspective has become my greatest strength.”
May it become our greatest strength as well.
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