Dak Prescott has two older brothers: Tad Prescott, the eldest, and Jace Prescott, the middle brother, who died in April 2020 at the age of 31. Dak, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, is the youngest of the three boys, and he has often said that his brothers, along with their late mother, Peggy, shaped his toughness and his love of football.
This guide covers the Prescott brothers and family, how Jace’s death led Dak to speak openly about mental health, and the key facts about Dak’s age, career, contracts and estimated net worth. We have kept to widely reported information and noted where figures vary.
Dak Prescott quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rayne Dakota Prescott |
| Born | July 29, 1993, Sulphur, Louisiana |
| Hometown | Haughton, Louisiana |
| Height | About 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| College | Mississippi State University |
| NFL team | Dallas Cowboys (drafted 2016, fourth round) |
| Parents | Peggy Prescott (died 2013) and Nathaniel “Nat” Prescott |
| Brothers | Tad Prescott and Jace Prescott (died 2020) |
| Partner | Sarah Jane Ramos (the couple announced their engagement in 2024) |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Charity | Faith Fight Finish Foundation |
Who are Dak Prescott’s brothers?
The three Prescott boys grew up in northwest Louisiana, raised mainly by their mother, Peggy, who worked long hours to support the family. Dak has described backyard football games with his older brothers as the place he learned to compete. As the youngest, he was usually smaller and slower than Tad and Jace, and he has said those games taught him not to back down.
Tad Prescott
Tad is the oldest of the three brothers. He is regularly seen supporting Dak at Cowboys games and family events and has spoken in interviews about how proud the family is of Dak’s career. Tad keeps a much lower public profile than his younger brother, and little about his private life has been made public, which is worth keeping in mind when you see detailed claims about him online.
Jace Prescott
Jace was the middle brother. He also played football and was very close with Dak, who has described him as one of his biggest supporters. Jace died on April 23, 2020, in Orange, Texas. Dak later confirmed publicly that his brother had died by suicide. The loss came during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period Dak has said was already difficult for him mentally.
How Jace’s death changed Dak’s public voice
In a September 2020 interview, Dak spoke openly about experiencing anxiety and depression in the weeks before his brother’s death, and about seeking help afterward. At a time when few NFL quarterbacks talked publicly about mental health, his openness drew wide praise, along with some criticism from commentators who suggested it was a sign of weakness. Many players, coaches and mental health advocates pushed back strongly on that criticism.
Since then, Dak has continued to encourage people to talk about how they feel and to reach out for support. His foundation has also expanded its work to include mental health, alongside its earlier focus on cancer.
If you or someone you know is struggling, in the US you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
Dak’s parents and the loss of his mother
Dak’s mother, Peggy Prescott, was diagnosed with colon cancer while he was in college at Mississippi State. She died in November 2013, when he was 20. Dak has said many times that she remains his biggest inspiration, and her motto helped name his charity. His father, Nat Prescott, has also been part of his life and has attended games over the years.
The Faith Fight Finish Foundation
Dak launched the Faith Fight Finish Foundation in 2017. Its name reflects his mother’s approach to her illness. The foundation supports cancer awareness and research (particularly colorectal cancer), families affected by cancer, mental health initiatives and youth programs, including support for children of military families and underserved communities.
Brothers who shape each other’s careers are a recurring story in American sports; our profile of the Watt brothers looks at another football family where siblings pushed one another to the NFL.
Dak Prescott’s football career
Dak starred at Haughton High School and then at Mississippi State, where he became one of the school’s most successful quarterbacks and led the Bulldogs to a No. 1 ranking during the 2014 season. The Cowboys drafted him in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 135th overall.
He was expected to be a backup, but injuries to Tony Romo put him in the starting lineup as a rookie. He led Dallas to a 13-3 record and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He has been the Cowboys’ starting quarterback since, with a few seasons interrupted by serious injuries, including a compound ankle fracture in 2020 and a hamstring injury in 2024.
Playoff record
Dak’s regular-season numbers are strong, but postseason success has been the main criticism. Through the 2023 season, his playoff record stood at 2-5, with wins over the Seattle Seahawks (2018 season) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022 season). He was named to multiple Pro Bowls and finished second in MVP voting for the 2023 season.
Contracts, salary and net worth
Dak’s earnings have grown sharply since his rookie deal, which was modest because of his fourth-round draft position.
| Contract | Reported terms |
|---|---|
| Rookie deal (2016) | Four years, roughly $2.7 million total |
| Franchise tag (2020) | One season, about $31.4 million |
| Extension (2021) | Four years, $160 million, including a reported $66 million signing bonus |
| Extension (September 2024) | Four years, $240 million, about $60 million per year, a record average at the time |
He also earns from endorsements with major brands and from business investments. Estimates of Dak Prescott’s net worth vary widely by source and are not based on official records, but after his 2024 extension they commonly sit somewhere in the range of about $100 million to $200 million. Treat any single precise figure with caution. For comparison with another athlete’s fortune, see our breakdown of Scottie Scheffler’s net worth.
Height, age and personal life
Dak is listed at about 6 feet 2 inches and roughly 238 pounds. He turned 33 in July 2026. After a previous relationship with Natalie Buffett, he began dating Sarah Jane Ramos. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Margaret Jane, in early 2024, announced their engagement later that year and welcomed a second daughter in 2025. The couple tend to share family news through social media rather than interviews.
Dak Prescott’s legacy
Dak’s legacy on the field will be judged partly on the playoffs. Off the field, it is already clear. He won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for the 2023 season, recognizing his charity work and community impact. His honesty about grief and mental health, rooted in the loss of his mother and his brother Jace, has made him one of the most respected voices in the league. For another look at how star athletes think about the end of their careers, read our piece on when LeBron James might retire.
Frequently asked questions
How many brothers does Dak Prescott have?
Dak has two older brothers, Tad and Jace. Jace died in April 2020. Dak is the youngest of the three.
How did Jace Prescott die?
Jace died by suicide on April 23, 2020, at the age of 31. Dak later spoke publicly about the loss and about his own struggles with anxiety and depression at the time.
What is Dak Prescott’s real name?
His full name is Rayne Dakota Prescott. “Dak” is short for Dakota.
Does Dak Prescott have children?
Yes. He and his partner, Sarah Jane Ramos, have two daughters. Their first, Margaret Jane, was born in early 2024, and a second daughter followed in 2025.
What charity did Dak Prescott start?
He founded the Faith Fight Finish Foundation in 2017, inspired by his late mother, Peggy. It supports cancer causes, mental health and youth programs.
