Cowboys PR exec reveals how Dak Prescott helped save his life

Dak Prescott won’t be able to wear his “My Cause My Cleats” shoes Monday night — at least not on the field — as he continues to recover from his season-ending injury.

But the Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s fluorescent Jordan 1 shoes still hold a special meaning for a team leader whose life may well have been saved thanks to the cause they represent.

In a video posted to the Cowboys’ official X account, Prescott discussed the goals of his Faith Fight Finish Foundation, which includes cancer screening and detection. And perhaps no one is more aware of the importance of early detection than Cowboys Senior VP of Communications Tad Carper, who went through his own cancer scare earlier this year.

As they explained in the video, after being inspired by a fundraising event for Prescott’s foundation, Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy had his entire staff undergo cancer screenings. That included Carper, who has been with the franchise since 2022 after an extended stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Unfortunately, Carper’s screening revealed signs that he was likely battling Stage 2 throat cancer. The good news, however, is that it was discovered early enough that he was able to remove two cancerous tumors during the Cowboys’ bye week, according to Dallas Morning News.

“We were just wrapping up a TV production call and got done and got up to go out of one of the training rooms and I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got one more thing — this is kind of a big deal,'” Carper remembered telling Prescott. “Just so you know, the test you arranged at boot camp came back positive for me and I’ll work my way through this process. But thanks, because you’ll end up saving my life.'”

“this is beyond sport, beyond football”

Our Senior VP of Communications, Tad Carper, sits down with @dak to share how Dak and his @FFFfoundation4 the foundation helped save his life through a cancer screening. #MyCauseMyCleats | @bswhealth pic.twitter.com/Exf7O2IHs4

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) 9 December 2024

While initially appearing all white, Prescott’s custom cleats display the message “see the unseen” when placed under a black light – a nod to the importance of early detection. As Carper noted in the video, there’s no better time to get screened than when you’re feeling well, as waiting until you’ve experienced symptoms can put you at a greater disadvantage in your battle.

Suffice to say, there haven’t been many highlights for the Cowboys this season. Carper catching his cancer, and Prescott’s role in helping him do so, is one of them, though.

(Dallas Cowboys)