It was during the Dallas Cowboys game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 13 as a television camera focused to a shot of Cowboys’ rookie quarterback Dak Prescott sitting on a bench as the Dallas defense was on the field. The camera caught Prescott finishing off the contents of a sports drink, then flipping the bottle toward the rubber trash can a few feet away. He missed his mark — one of the few times his throws that day would be anything other than spot-on accurate — and the plastic bottle bounced off the rim of the trash can and fell to the ground.
Prescott, got off the bench, retrieved the bottle and placed it in the trash can. Is was simple act, yet rich in meaning.
Prescott has been a bona-fide phenomenon as a rookie quarterback in the NFL. Though not highly rated coming off a brilliant career at Mississippi State, the fourth-round draft pick (134th player chosen in the 2016 NFL draft) has helped take the Cowboys where the storied franchise has never been. Thursday, Dallas beat rival Washington for its 10th consecutive win, longest in team history. At 10-1 the Cowboys have the best record in the NFL, and a fair share of the credit belongs to Prescott, who has thrown 18 touchdown passes and has rushed for 5 more. He has completed 70 percent of his passes and thrown just two interceptions, lowest among the league’s 32 quarterbacks.
Yet for all the gaudy numbers, the simple act of picking up after himself on the sidelines caught by the camera reveals something about why Prescott remains a beloved figure among Mississippi State fans.
In a season where there hasn’t been much for Bulldog fans to celebrate, Prescott continues to make MSU fans proud — even after leaving Starkville.
Saturday, Mississippi State travels to take on rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. Regardless of the outcome, the Bulldogs are already assured their first losing season this decade, coming into the game with a 4-7 record.
That Prescott would emerge immediately as an NFL star this season was a much-needed respite for the psyche of Bulldog fans. As bad as most Saturdays have been for State fans, Sundays were days they could celebrate, albeit vicariously, though the exploits of MSU most significant contribution to NFL football.
In his time at MSU, Prescott raised the profile of the program, figured prominently in the university’s marketing of its football team and swelled MSU fans with pride.
He broke 38 school records and led MSU to unparalleled success, but fans also loved him for his calm demeanor, his composure and his humility.
Dallas fans have seen what he can do on the field.
Thanks to an unguarded moment caught by the camera on the sideline, they also saw the character traits that are the hallmark of leadership.
Even after his departure, Dak Prescott continues to be a much-beloved ambassador for Mississippi State.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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