Sep 8, 2026 11:37 AM
Is there such a thing as "deserving a Super Bowl''? Richie Whitt ranks Dak Prescott of the Cowboys in that department.
Long-time Dallas Cowboys beat writer and guest columnist Richie Whitt (find him on Substack) digs into the idea of Dak "deserving'' a trophy. ...
FRISCO - America loves a dramatic tale laced with adversity, loyalty, failure, redemption, perseverance, a comeback and, finally, triumph. America, we also know, loves it some Dallas Cowboys.
Put the two together and there wouldn’t be a better, more welcomed feel-good story in the 2026 NFL season than Dak Prescott winning Super Bowl LXI in February.
I know, quarterbacks don’t “deserve” rings. They have to earn them. But …
It was just a year ago that the NFL found itself rooting for Sam Darnold. A high draft-pick bust, he flamed out with four teams in seven seasons but never complained and kept his nose clean. He was a professional disappointment. But then he landed with the right team at the right time, and lifted the trophy for the Seattle Seahawks.
“After all he’s been through,” America said collectively, “good for Sam Darnold. He deserves it.”
Enter Dak.
Talk about paying your dues and earning support. Prescott is suddenly 33, entering his 11th season as the Cowboys’ starter. His journey includes excruciating playoff losses, a litany of injuries including a gruesome fractured ankle, a broken hand and his hamstring torn from the bone, leading the league in both touchdowns and interceptions, running a No. 1 offense, and finishing No. 2 in MVP voting. During his career he’s played for three head coaches, five offensive coordinators and one historically stubborn owner.
And that’s just on the field. Off it, he’s endured the death of his mother to cancer and his brother to suicide. Last offseason he was scheduled to get married to his long-time fiancee at a wedding in Lake Como, Italy, but the couple broke up just five weeks before.
Dak has made his money. He’s established himself as a good guy and a great pillar in the community. The lone remaining piece of his puzzle is a Super Bowl title.
Lots of football fans despise the Cowboys. But few, if any, wouldn’t root for Dak to finally win his ring.
My ranking of the NFL’s 32 starting quarterbacks, according to their “feel-good” narrative and level of warranted merit:
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys - A decade of high-profile trial, tribulation and tragedy.
- Kirk Cousins, Raiders - 3 teams. 11 seasons. 0 Super Bowls.
- Josh Allen, Bills - Consensus best current player to not make a Super Bowl.
- Jared Goff, Lions - Traded for Matthew Stafford, who then won “his” Super Bowl.
- Lamar Jackson, Ravens - 2-time MVP has glaring hole on resume.
- Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers - Cut by the Panthers, making him eternal underdog.
- Geno Smith, Jets - Bounced around 6 teams over 11 mostly forgettable seasons.
- Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals - Career journeyman would be ultimate Cinderella.
- Joe Burrow, Bengals - Played in 1 Super Bowl, but talent muted by injuries.
- Kyler Murray, Vikings - Diminutive size, 7 seasons in Arizona prompt sympathy.
- Daniel Jones, Colts - 2nd chance in Indy after unprofessional treatment by Giants.
- Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars - Best player on some bad teams for a long time.
- Justin Herbert, Chargers - Waiting for style to turn into playoff substance.
- Brock Purdy, 49ers - OT loss to Chiefs in LVIII might have been lone shot.
- Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs - Rebounding from serious injury, rare failure.
- C.J. Stroud, Texans - 2025 playoff pratfall could garner future support.
- Bo Nix, Broncos - Injury in AFC playoffs game was gut-wrenching.
- Drake Maye, Patriots - Lost last year’s title, but feeling is he’ll be back.
- Jordan Love, Packers - Following in footsteps of Favre, Rodgers ain’t easy.
- Caleb Williams, Bears - Dramatic flair fills the bandwagon.
- Jayden Daniels, Commanders - Can a “running QB” win a Super Bowl?
- Bryce Young, Panthers - Endured rough rookie season, slowly improving.
- Tyler Shough, Saints - Among longest of long-shot underdogs.
- Malik Willis, Dolphins - See No. 22.
- Tua Tagovailoa, Falcons - What concussion-prone Tua deserves is a safe retirement.
- Cam Ward, Titans - Too early to get behind a No. 1 overall draft pick.
- Jaxson Dart, Giants - Will have to show some humility first.
- Jalen Hurts, Eagles - Already has his ring. Yawn.
- Matthew Stafford, Rams - Already has his ring. Yawn.
- Sam Darnold, Seahawks - Already has his ring. Yawn.
- Aaron Rodgers, Steelers - None outside Pitt rooting for condescending old grump
- Deshaun Watson, Browns - Every massage therapist praying against him.
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