Sports

Dak Prescott Draws Tom Brady Comparison From Cowboys Hall of Famer

By Nate Lunak Athlon Sports

Updated June 1, 2026 12:44 PM

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2025. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Dak Prescott is entering his 11th season as the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback. He's exceeded expectations as a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft from the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Over the past 10 years, he's started 139 games, throwing for 35,989 yards, 243 touchdowns, 92 interceptions and a 98.3 passer rating. Going 83-55-1, Prescott has led the Cowboys to five playoff berths. However, they have not advanced past the divisional round in any of those appearances.

While the regular season success is apparent, he and Dallas have yet to translate that into the playoffs. It's been a consistent criticism for Prescott since taking over as the starter in 2016.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4). Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Expectations are growing for the signal caller to lead the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl since the 1995 season. Former Dallas wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin stressed how important the upcoming season is for Prescott.

"When you look at Dak's numbers, put them up to Tom Brady's numbers, any numbers, Dak is right there," Irvin said in a video posted by DLLS Sports. "It's just right here, in the playoffs, you gotta get over that hump, and Dak has to do it this year. I believe he has the chance to do it because we've given the tools with both receivers to do it this year."

In Brady's first 10 seasons as the New England Patriots starter (2001 to 2010), he appeared in 144 games, throwing for 34,738 yards, 261 touchdowns, 103 interceptions and a 95.2 passer rating. During that time, he led the Patriots to eight playoff berths. They appeared in four Super Bowls, winning three of them.

While Prescott's and Brady's regular-season numbers are comparable, one of the biggest differences in their careers has been playoff success. As the Cowboys enter another year with high expectations, the 32-year-old aims for a deep playoff run.

This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 12:22 PM.