Dak Prescott has generated as much news and discussion as any NFL player this offseason with his contract negotiations and eventual megadeal from the Dallas Cowboys. As the highest-profile player from America’s Team, it’s no surprise that Dak has been pulled in to help ESPN relaunch it’s Up Close television series next month.
Originally running from 1981-2001, Up Close centered around one-on-one interviews with sports celebrities and going deeper into their thoughts and lives than typical media sessions. After a 20-yearh hiatus, ESPN is rebooting the series with new host Sage Steele.
There’s plenty to talk to the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys about right now. But while the football topics are plentiful, it appears the focus of Prescott’s interview will be on a much more personal matter.
Mental health. So thankful to @dak for “going there” & openly talking about his struggle. THAT defines courage. This is an excerpt from my convo with Dak—the first guest on my soon-to-debut new show, “Up Close with Sage Steele” on @ESPNPlus @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/LZZt3TQDK2
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) May 28, 2021
Last year, in an interview with Graham Besinger, Dak and his brother Tad opened up about their brother Jace’s suicide and dealing with the death of their mother. This interview sparked a major national conversation about mental health, particularly among professional athletes, and the need for open dialogue.
Outside of the rare scumbag (Skip Bayless), Dak’s honesty was met with applause and a new openness about their own issues from other athletes. It has also led to Prescott being involved in charitable efforts towards mental health during the offseason.
Now, Dak Prescott will bring this important message to ESPN and hopefully an even wider audience.
[As of the writing of this article, the exact date for the release of Dak’s Up Close interview has not yet been advertised.]
I saw Dak come out at Mississippi State, when the starters were down and out! His performance was superb and although we have never even spoke to Dak, he seems like a child of ours and he continues to impress! Stay the way you are Dak and never forget where you came from! We love you Dak!