Dak Prescott saves Cowboys executive’s life with cancer initiative

The Deep Connection Between Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ Vice President of Communications

In the world of American football, where image and communication are crucial, the relationship between Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the team’s vice president of communications, Tad Carper, transcends the professional. A story of friendship, support and, ultimately, saving lives, is what unites these two men. The dynamic between Prescott and Carper is a reflection of trust and mutual respect. Prescott describes Carper as his “best hidden friend”, someone who frees him from the stress and pressure inherent in being the quarterback of one of the most important franchises in the NFL. He’s my ‘No’ guy. He takes the stress and pressure off me,” Prescott said. “Being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, or any big organization, your image is very important. What you say and how you say it is important. … [He] makes it easy for me. I’m grateful for that guy and for our relationship. The role of a public relations officer in the NFL is multifaceted, encompassing everything from managing interviews and press conferences to handling crisis situations. In the case of Carper and Prescott, the closeness and trust built a deeper bond, which was unexpectedly put to the test.

Description: Dak Prescott’s mother, Peggy Prescott, died on Nov. 3, 2013, after a year and a half battle with colon cancer. Prescott’s personal tragedy, the loss of his mother, Peggy, to colon cancer in 2013, drove him to create the “Faith. Fight. Finish.” foundation, dedicated to cancer research, mental health, and suicide prevention. It was through this foundation that an early cancer detection program was implemented for the Cowboys staff. The idea of including cancer screening exams for assistant coaches came from Mike McCarthy, who was inspired by Prescott’s foundation gala.

Understanding what I have gone through with the loss of my mother to cancer and understanding how important early detection is, it was a no-brainer,” Prescott said.

Dak Prescott

In August 2024, the Prescott foundation funded the visit of healthcare professionals from the Ochsner Peggy Prescott Community Health Center clinic to conduct examinations in Oxnard, using the Galleri test from the biotechnology company GRAIL, capable of detecting up to 50 different types of cancer. Two weeks later, Carper received a call that would change his life. The test result was positive for head and neck cancer.

Description: Former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott are supporting the quarterback’s foundation and its cancer screening event. Carper, who had no symptoms, underwent a CT scan that confirmed a tumor in his throat. It was Prescott who informed him of the positive result.

“I think you saved my life,” he said to Prescott.

Tad Carper

Carper underwent surgery and radiation, and is now in remission. His experience has made him an advocate for early cancer detection, and he even wrote to Congressional leaders to support legislation covering early detection tests for multiple types of cancer.

Description: Following what he has experienced and endured over the past 15 months, Tad Carper has taken on advocating for early cancer screening. The story of Carper is a testament to the power of friendship, the importance of early detection, and the impact one person’s actions can have on another’s life. The connection between Prescott and Carper, forged on and off the field, is a reminder that, sometimes, the deepest and most meaningful relationships are found in the most unexpected places.