Dak Prescott Recalls the Phone Call That Changed His Life Forever – The Midnight Call from Dallas Retold as a Story That Leaves NFL Fans Deeply Moved

In the cutthroat world of the NFL, where thousands of players dream of hearing their name called in the NFL Draft, Dak Prescott was once an overlooked quarterback from Mississippi State, sliding all the way to the fourth round, pick No. 135 in the 2016 draft. Most people thought his journey would be as a backup at best, overshadowed by veterans like Tony Romo. But that very night, a phone call from the Dallas Cowboys changed everything forever.

Prescott has shared the memory in interviews since then, his voice thick with emotion:

“I was asleep when the phone rang in the middle of the night. On the other end was Mr. Will McClay. He apologized for the wait, then said, ‘Dak, we've been waiting for you.’ I could hear Jerry Jones congratulating me. I tried to prank my family, but the tears just kept coming – we all hugged and cried tears of joy. I will never forget that moment, because it changed my life forever.”

Will McClay’s words, “We've been waiting for you,” were more than just comfort – they were an affirmation that Prescott, despite falling due to off-field concerns, truly mattered to the Cowboys. Moments later, owner Jerry Jones jumped on the line to offer his congratulations, creating a warm, hopeful instant. Prescott tried to stay calm, pretending to be disappointed so he could surprise his family – telling them “it’s just a call from another team” – but the overwhelming happiness broke through. When he finally revealed the truth, the house erupted: parents, siblings, friends embraced, crying with pure joy, shouting as if he’d been selected in the first round.

From that fateful moment, Prescott’s journey from underdog to elite NFL quarterback unfolded like a fairy tale. Starting as QB4 on the depth chart, he was thrust into the starter role early in the 2016 season after injuries to Tony Romo and Kellen Moore. He immediately went 13-3 as a starter, completing 67.8% of his passes for 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions with a passer rating of 104.9 – earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and instantly becoming a symbol of resilience.

In 2017, Prescott solidified his role: he completed 62.9% of his passes for 3,324 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, with a rating of 86.6, helping the Cowboys stay competitive despite challenges.

The 2018 season saw him bounce back strong: 67.7% completion rate, 3,885 yards, 22 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a 96.9 passer rating, plus his first Pro Bowl nod.

In 2019, Prescott exploded: he led the NFL in passing yards with 4,902, completing 65.1% of his passes, throwing 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, and posting a 99.7 rating – establishing himself as one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks.

The 2020 season was cut short after five games due to a severe ankle injury: 68.0% completion, 1,856 yards, 9 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 99.6 rating.

Returning in 2021, Prescott was dominant: 68.8% completion, 4,449 yards, 37 touchdowns (career high at the time), 10 interceptions, and a 104.2 rating, earning another Pro Bowl.

In 2022, despite missing five games with a thumb injury: 66.2% completion, 2,860 yards, 23 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and a 91.1 rating.

The 2023 season was his best yet: he led the NFL in touchdowns with 36, completing 69.5% of his passes for 4,516 yards, just 9 interceptions, and a league-high 105.9 passer rating, finishing second in MVP voting and earning All-Pro honors.

In 2024, Prescott continued his consistency: completing around 67% of his passes for over 4,000 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a rating above 100, guiding the Cowboys through a transitional year.

In 2025, he played all 17 games: 67.3% completion rate, 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 99.5 passer rating – top-three in QBR among starters. His deep-ball accuracy, multi-touchdown performances, and ability to extend plays with his legs solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback.

Today, he is the irreplaceable cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys – the franchise quarterback locked in with a four-year, $240 million extension signed in September 2024 (average annual value of $60 million, $231 million guaranteed), the richest contract in NFL history at the time. From a fourth-round afterthought to a symbol of perseverance, luck, and undeniable talent, Prescott reminds NFL fans that sometimes the biggest dreams begin with the smallest moment: a late-night apology, a quiet affirmation that “we've been waiting for you,” and unbreakable belief.

His story doesn’t just move people – it inspires every player who has ever been overlooked. Dak Prescott: living proof that you should never give up.