Cowboys QB Dak Prescott named finalist for one of top NFL awards
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been named a finalist for Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year, the league announced on Thursday morning.
The other finalists for the award are San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
The award is given to a player who displayed resilience in returning to the field after missing parts of the previous season. It is emphasized for players who return from an injury or illness.
After a torn hamstring ended Prescott’s 2024 season after just eight starts, he responded in his 10th campaign with 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in starting all 17 games. During the season, he became the Cowboys’ all-time leading passer with 35,989 yards. He was named to his fourth Pro Bowl for his efforts.
It’s the second time that Prescott has been up for the award. After breaking his ankle in 2020, Prescott finished second behind Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel and MGM all show McCaffrey as the favorite for the award and Lawrence as the runner-up. Prescott has the third-best odds across the board.
Prescott will look to join defensive end Greg Ellis as the franchise’s all-time winners of the award. Ellis received the honor in 2007 after posting 12.5 sacks in his return from a torn Achilles in 2006.
The league also announced finalists for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year. Prescott was the Cowboys’ lone representative in all categories.
The winners will be announced during the NFL Honors on Feb. 5 in San Francisco.
The winner for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will also be announced in San Francisco that night, as Cowboys defensive tackle Solomon Thomas will make the trip as the team’s representative. It’s Thomas’ fourth consecutive year being up for the award, as he looks to join Prescott (2022), Jason Witten (2012), Troy Aikman (1997) and Roger Staubach (1978) as winners from the franchise.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 9:14 AM.
