The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) has named Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott as the recipient of the 2026 Good Guy Award, recognizing his consistent professionalism and cooperation with the media throughout the 2025 NFL season. The announcement was made on May 27, 2026.
This award, voted on by the journalists who cover the NFL daily, honors a player who exhibits a respectful, open, and thoughtful approach in navigating interactions with the media. Prescott, entering his eleventh NFL season, has cultivated one of the league's most respected reputations for accessibility and candor.
Prescott, the leader of head coach Brian Schottenheimer's offense, has long stood out for his willingness to engage candidly with reporters, even in difficult moments such as post-game losses or during challenging team circumstances. His reputation for answering tough questions with honesty and providing genuine insight helped him earn this accolade.
"The Good Guy Award isn't about what happens on the field," said a PFWA representative. "It's about the respect and professionalism a player shows day in and day out to the reporters covering them. Dak Prescott exemplifies that every time he meets with us."
A Legacy of Professionalism and Leadership
Since entering the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick in 2016, Prescott has handled the pressures and spotlight of being the Cowboys' franchise quarterback with remarkable poise. From stepping in as a rookie after Tony Romo's injury, to navigating highs and lows with the team, Prescott has always maintained an open and genuine dialogue with media members.
Beyond football, Prescott is known for addressing important social topics such as mental health awareness and grief--having publicly shared the impact of losing his brother Jace in 2020. His empathy and sincerity deepen the respect he commands both on and off the field.
The PFWA first established the Good Guy Award in 2005 to honor players who foster strong, cooperative relationships with the media. Over the years, it has been awarded to revered veterans recognized not only for their talent but for their communication and integrity. Prescott's inclusion on that list highlights the esteem in which he is held by the professional football journalism community.
2025 Season Highlights Amplify the Award's Meaning
While the award primarily reflects off-field character and media relations, Prescott's 2025 season performance also contributed to his selection. After overcoming an early training camp injury, he rebounded in the second half of the year, posting a passer rating exceeding 100 in six of the last eight games. His leadership elevated a receiving group featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and KaVontae Turpin, bolstering the Cowboys' offensive capability.
General Manager Will McClay has frequently praised Prescott not only for his athletic talents but for his role as a locker room leader. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones echoed this, noting Prescott's influence on the team culture through his work ethic and communication.
"I think the best leader is the one who is most authentic and who shows up every day the same way," Prescott remarked in a recent press conference. "The media is part of our job. They're just doing their job. If you respect that, it's not hard to have good relationships."
That statement encapsulates the core of Prescott's approach: viewing media interactions as an integral part of his leadership and team responsibility, rather than simply an obligation.
Impact on the Cowboys Organization
Prescott's Good Guy Award is a positive spotlight as the Cowboys transition under recent coaching changes. Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer leads a team with championship aspirations but faces challenges, such as adjustments to a revamped offensive line and a defensive secondary in development.
The team's roster saw significant changes entering 2026, including a running back group featuring Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, and Jaydon Blue. The wide receiver corps also expanded with additions like George Pickens joining established stars such as CeeDee Lamb. Defensively, coordinator Christian Parker relies on a line anchored by veterans Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Throughout these transitions, Prescott remains the anchor and face of the franchise -- not only the Cowboys' starting quarterback, but a leader whose professionalism and candor set a tone for the entire team.
Fostering a Culture of Transparency
Prescott's recognition with the Good Guy Award also reflects a broader cultural trend within the Cowboys. Past team eras occasionally exhibited media guardedness, but Prescott's approach has helped foster transparency and trust. By embracing open dialogue, he strengthens relationships and reduces friction between players and the press.
Cowboys beat writers often note that Prescott is among the most accessible and thoughtful quarterbacks in the league. He routinely stays after press conferences, answers follow-up questions, acknowledges mistakes, and deflects credit to teammates. His communicative style is by now legendary in Dallas media circles.
"When Dak talks, you listen," said a veteran Cowboys reporter. "He always brings actual substance and thought into his answers. He respects our job and treats us with genuine consideration, which is rare among star players."
While the award carries no physical trophy or monetary prize, it commands significant respect across the NFL community. It signifies a player admired by those who witness him up close through the grind of practice, games, and media duties.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 campaign, Dak Prescott's leadership will be essential. The offense is adjusting to new coordinator Klayton Adams' system, with a young offensive line mix including Tyler Smith and Cooper Beebe safeguarding the quarterback. Success will depend on the seamless connection between Prescott and his dynamic group of pass catchers.
If history provides any clues, Prescott will navigate these challenges with the same composure, accessibility, and team-first mentality that have defined his career. Whether answering technical questions about protections or motivational ones about team goals, he will maintain the same authenticity that earned him the Good Guy Award.
In an era when many athletes control their narratives through curated personal platforms, Prescott's willingness to engage transparently with mainstream media stands out. He balances privacy with openness, understanding it is part of his role as the Cowboys' leader to communicate effectively with the press and fans.
For Cowboys supporters, the award is another reason to value the veteran quarterback leading their team. While playoff success remains a shared goal yet to be fully realized, Prescott consistently delivers something equally valuable -- integrity and authenticity both on and off the field.
He truly is the Good Guy of Dallas football. And now, the entire NFL recognizes it.