Cowboys legend Roger Staubach passes philanthropy torch to Dak Prescott

When you think of former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, you likely think of their numerous touchdown passes and amazing football careers. But something else those two are known for in the state of Texas is their involvement as co-chairs of the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala. The event is a fundraiser that helps to raise money for research and treatment of pediatric cancer in North Texas and across America.

Over the years, Staubach helped pass the quarterback torch down the line to a variety of players in the Cowboys organization from Danny White to Troy Aikman to Tony Romo to Dak Prescott. Now, the Hall of Famer is passing his philanthropic duties to the current Cowboys quarterback as well. After over 30 years of co-chairing the gala, Staubach announced that he would be stepping down from his role. But his predecessor would be another Dallas leader, leaving the event in good hands.

Prescott, who will now co-chair with Aikman, lost his mother to colon cancer back in 2013. One of the goals of his Faith, Fight, Finish Foundation is to help provide resources and assistance to families dealing with cancer, so the cause is very familiar to the 28-year-old. Prescott said he is honored to help give these children “a distraction from their everyday life and their fight.” This year’s gala, themed “Color Out Cancer,” raised $1.5 million to support pediatric cancer programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern.

Cowboys legend Roger Staubach resigns as co-chair of the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala and passes the job along to Dak Prescott

Founded in 1982, the Children’s Cancer Fund has donated over $11 million to cancer research and programs. Staubach was emotional as he announced his resignation from the role:

"“I got involved with Children’s Cancer Fund more than 30 years ago and since that time there has been so much progress made in research for childhood cancer. We’ve changed lives and raised a lot of money for North Texas children fighting this terrible disease.”"

A highlight of the event is when young cancer survivors get to participate in a fashion show. The children walk down the runway escorted by their heroes. This year’s escorts included Aikman, Prescott, and a member of the Dallas SWAT team. As a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2021, Prescott has clearly made philanthropy a priority in his career. The quarterback hopes to be as well known as Staubach and Aikman for both their contributions on and off the field.

"Just following these guys’ footsteps on the field is amazing enough. But to be able to do it off the field is a privilege and there’s nothing I take for granted about it. For him to choose me to pass it to is an honor.”"