Why Dak Prescott says visiting kids at hospital bigger than wins for streaking Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys conducted their annual holiday visits to local children’s hospitals in Dallas and Fort Worth on Monday, hoping to spread joy and good tidings in a place of need.
But as usual, the players got as much fulfillment in their own hearts and smiles on their own faces as the sick kids.
“So meaningful, to be able to give my time, to come out here with my teammates and the cheerleaders on behalf of the organization and do something as simple as giving our time,” quarterback Dak Prescott “We know it goes a long way and just being able to see these kids face, I can only imagine what they’re going through and how they feel, to be able to brighten that up and hopefully make something change for a day or whatever it may be, we’re doing our job. It’s important we come and do that.
“Anytime I do this there are a bunch of interactions and conversations you have, but when you see some of these kids at their age, how young they are and just everything they’re dealing with, it’s heart touching. If it doesn’t make you want to do more and give your time and be more hands on with our community and trying to make people happier, something is wrong. We have the right group of guys who came in and enjoyed doing this.”
Prescott, along with 20 players, visited Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. Running back Ezekiel Elliott headlined another group visiting kids at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence led a group to Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas, while linebacker and first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch and the rookies visited Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.
It would appear the visits were joyful and receptive with the Cowboys on a four-game winning streak and in first place in the NFC East at 7-5. But Prescott said wins and losses have no bearing on the impact of the visits, as seeing what the kids are going through is humbling.
“It’s much bigger than the wins and losses,” Prescott said. “If anything, this always humbles you and keeps you grounded no matter what the record is, no matter how many wins you have in a row or losses, whatever it may be, just to see the real life aspect of it, to see those people going through that adversity, not losses, but fighting for their lives. It’s great to come in here when you’re winning but when you come in here you get humbled quickly.”
The players interacted with the kids, signed autographs, took pictures, colored, played games and even danced with them. At least, linebacker Jaylon Smith did, as he found himself in a dance off with a couple kids and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at Children’s Medical Center.
“It was great competition in that dance room,” Smith said. “I had to show up. I’m a competitor. I don’t think they got the best of me. I have to check the film.”
Smith said visiting kids is another example of the power of the Cowboys star and responsibility that comes along with it.
“It means a lot whenever you get a chance to go out in the community with this platform that we are on,” Smith said. “We get so caught up in this world of football when in reality there are a lot of people going through some real life stuff. So to be able to spread some holiday cheer and put smiles on people’s faces is amazing. Just getting a chance to go into the rooms and see the joy on their face.”
“We are called America’s team for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is the impact we have on children. It’s a wonderful opportunity and privilege to be a Cowboy.”
Prescott echoed Smith.
“The power of this jersey is huge,” Prescott said. ”It’s important for us to utilize the responsibility that we have wearing this jersey and do it for the right reasons. Like I said, to walk in these rooms and the smiles we’re putting on these kids’ face after everything they’re going through, their adversity, it means everything. It’s what it’s all about.
Clarence E. Hill Jr. :@clarencehilljr