Dak Prescott announces 2025 as his final season before retiring due to health reasons

Frisco, TX – May 21, 2025 – In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott announced that the 2025 season will be his last before retiring from professional football. The three-time Pro Bowler, who signed a historic four-year, $240 million extension in September 2024, shared the decision during a press conference at The Star, citing a desire to prioritize family and personal health after a career marked by resilience and leadership.

A Career Defined by Grit

Prescott, drafted in the fourth round by the Cowboys in 2016, became an instant sensation, leading Dallas to the NFC’s top seed as a rookie and earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over nine seasons, he amassed 24,183 passing yards, 166 touchdowns, and a 67.0% completion rate, ranking seventh all-time in completion percentage among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts, per Pro-Football-Reference. His 2023 season was a career peak, with 4,516 yards, a league-leading 36 touchdowns, and a 105.9 passer rating, earning him second place in AP MVP voting.

Despite his on-field success, Prescott’s career has been punctuated by significant injuries. A compound ankle fracture in 2020 sidelined him for 11 games, and a partial hamstring avulsion in 2024 ended his season after just eight games, requiring surgery in November, per ESPN. Reflecting on these challenges, Prescott said, “My body’s taken a lot. I want to leave the game on my terms, not because injuries decide for me.” His 2024 season saw a career-low 86.0 passer rating and a 64.7% completion rate, per Wikipedia.

The Decision to Step Away

Prescott’s announcement comes as a surprise, especially after his lucrative extension, which made him the NFL’s highest-paid player with a $60 million annual average and $231 million guaranteed, per DallasCowboys.com. However, the 31-year-old emphasized personal factors in his choice. “I became a father this year to my daughter, MJ,” he said, referencing the birth of Margaret Jane in February 2024 with partner Sarah Jane Ramos. “I want to be there for her, and I’ve got other passions I’m ready to explore, like my Faith Fight Finish Foundation.”

In a poignant moment, Prescott addressed Cowboys fans: “This city made me a man. I’ve given everything to this star, and I’ll give it all one more time in 2025 to bring a Super Bowl to Dallas.” His comments echo a 2024 interview with his brother Tad for I AM ATHLETE, where he expressed a lifelong desire to “be a Cowboy” and win a championship, per DallasNews.com.

Impact on the Cowboys

The Cowboys, coming off a 7-10 season in 2024 and a playoff absence, now face a pivotal 2025 under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Prescott’s leadership will be crucial, especially with a revamped offense featuring first-round pick Tyler Booker and newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens, per FOX Sports. His recovery from hamstring surgery is on track, with Prescott targeting a full return for OTAs, per CBS Sports. “I’m feeling stronger every day,” he said. “I’ll be ready to lead this team.”

The announcement raises questions about Dallas’ future at quarterback. Backup Cooper Rush is in the final year of his contract, and Trey Lance, also a free agent in 2025, has limited starting experience, per ESPN. The Cowboys may look to the 2026 NFL Draft or free agency to secure a successor, with GM John Stephen Jones already hinting at “long-term planning” in a team statement.

Fan and League Reactions

Cowboys Nation took to X with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. “Dak gave us everything. One last ride for 4!” posted @CowboysNation, while @StarFanatic wrote, “Retiring at 31? He’s gotta chase that ring first!” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport commented, “Prescott’s legacy in Dallas is secure—leader, fighter, class act. 2025 will be must-watch.” The Athletic’s Jon Machota noted, “This puts immense pressure on Schottenheimer to maximize Prescott’s final year.”

Opponents, including the rival Philadelphia Eagles, acknowledged Prescott’s impact. “Dak’s a warrior. He’ll go out swinging,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX win, loom as a key obstacle in Dallas’ 2025 campaign.

One Last Ride

As OTAs approach, Prescott’s focus is clear: a Super Bowl for Dallas, a city that hasn’t seen one since 1995. His career, defined by overcoming adversity—from his mother’s passing in 2013 to his brother’s suicide in 2020, per Wikipedia—will culminate in a season of high stakes. “I’m not done writing my story,” Prescott said. “Let’s make 2025 unforgettable.”

For Cowboys fans, the countdown is on. With Prescott’s health on the mend and a chip on his shoulder, Dallas is poised for an emotional farewell to one of its greatest quarterbacks. Whether he hoists the Lombardi Trophy or not, Dak Prescott’s final chapter promises to be a thrilling one.