When disaster strikes Texas, the Dallas Cowboys feel it too. Dak Prescott proved that this week, reaching out to flood victims across his adopted home state with a message that showed the heart behind the helmet.
The quarterback’s words came as Central Texas reeled from devastating flooding that claimed 111 lives and left families searching for answers.
What Message Did Dak Prescott Share with Flood Victims?
The Cowboys don’t just represent Dallas. They own Texas from a fan perspective. While the Houston Texans carved out their own slice of the state, Dallas still holds court from El Paso to Sugar Land, from Lubbock to McAllen. That’s why when tragedy hits the Lone Star State, even Cowboys players feel the impact.
Prescott isn’t a Texas native, but his years under center have made him a Texan through and through. He turned to Instagram to share his thoughts with those affected by the flooding.
“The devastating impact of the flooding in our beloved state of Texas is heart-wrenching,” Prescott wrote. “Our hearts break for those affected by the unimaginable tragedy. We are keeping in our thoughts and prayers the parents who are facing the unimaginable loss of a child, as well as everyone who has lost loved ones or is still searching for them.
“The pain you are experiencing is beyond words, and we are deeply sorry for the grief you are going through.”
How Did the Flooding Impact Central Texas?
The disaster unfolded between July 4 and 8, when torrential rain caused massive flooding across Central Texas. The death toll has reached 111 people, with the most heartbreaking losses occurring at Camp Mystic, a religious summer camp where 27 counselors and campers never made it home.
The cause? Remnants of Tropical Storm Barry slammed into the region. When you combine that kind of heavy rain with areas already prone to flash flooding, disaster becomes inevitable.
The tragedy even touched the NFL directly. Janie Hunt, the nine-year-old cousin of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, was among those who lost their lives.
How Are Texas Sports Teams Responding to the Crisis?
The Cowboys stepped up and joined the NFL and Houston Texans with a combined $1.5 million donation for flood relief efforts. But the response didn’t stop there. Other Texas sports organizations rallied together in a way that showed the state’s unity during crisis.
The NBA’s Texas franchises, the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets, joined forces with the NBA Players Association and NBA Foundation to contribute more than $2 million, according to Front Office Sports.
Meanwhile, MLB’s Texas Rangers and Houston Astros each donated $1 million to relief efforts.
As Prescott and the Cowboys prepare for training camp, they’ll carry heavy hearts with them. The quarterback’s leadership showed in his willingness to speak up for his state and rally fans around those in need.
For anyone wanting to help flood victims, CBS News published a comprehensive list of organizations providing direct assistance to those affected by the flooding.
