Quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Troy Aikman talk giving back at charity gala
Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman has been involved with the Children’s Cancer Fund for over 30 years. Friday evening, he and quarterback Dak Prescott explained why giving back to the community is important to them at the organization’s 36th Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Anatole hotel.
The event features pediatric cancer patients, survivors and celebrities who participate in a fashion show and silent auction, among other events. It raises approximately $3 million toward cancer research and patient programming.
Aikman said another Cowboys great got him involved with the gala.
“Had lunch with Roger Staubach today, and he’s the one who got me involved, and then, therefore, I got Dak involved. Told him that tonight was the big gala, and so he was talking about how much he missed it,” said Aikman.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer talked about why it was important for him to be involved with the organization and what it means to him.
“It’s a great night for these kids. When I was doing these playrooms in children’s hospitals, you get a real chance to be around them at some of their worst moments, and some of the parents’ worst moments as well. And then you move through the months, and you come here for this event,” said Aikman. “It is special because they are celebrated. They know it, and you can just see it on their faces, the way that the crowd responds to them. It was the best event that I’d ever been to, and it’s why I signed up to stay on, and it continues to be the best event, and just honored to be a part of it.”
Prescott echoed Aikman’s sentiments and told a story about two of his friends who had walked in the event as children.
“To get out of your shoes for a moment and put yourself into their shoes, and have perspective of what they’re going through, day in and day out, what their family is going through, the stress, the challenge and the adversity, and tonight just make all of that go away,” said Prescott. “Watch their smiles, you hang out with them in the back, you see their joy. And just to be able to be a part of that on a night like this is something I don’t take for granted.”
Prescott said, “I have two adult friends, Hayden and Sam, one worked for the Cowboys. One’s a buddy at the golf course, who were once children walking in this … 15 years ago, to have friends like that, to tell me, ‘Hey, man, you inspired me. I was once a kid walking in those shoes. Just to see you doing that means a lot.”
Prescott did talk a little football, saying he had worked with George Pickens in the offseason but that he was leaving contract updates to Pickens and the team.
“We’re just working, no different than I have any offseason. Obviously first real offseason with George being a part of it, and he’s showed up and been active, has looked great. So super excited, leaving all that, those contract talks and that off to the front office,” said Prescott.
Pickens was franchise tagged by the Cowboys during the offseason and has until July 15 to sign a long-term contract. He has expressed a desire to do so after a career year with the team.
The team also made some big additions on the defensive side, including saftey Jalen Thompson and defensive lineman Rashaan Gary. Prescott said he was happy with the moves and was excited to see who the team would add in the draft, set for April 23.
“I’m excited about everything that we’ve done up to this point, and I expect two great draft picks, maybe something exciting. I don’t know any more than anybody else, so if there’s movement, that’d be cool, too. It’s always an exciting night,” said Prescott, “I don’t think anybody ever knows what to expect, but I know that we’ll add some great players, trust the front office and all that they’re doing.”
