House Concurrent Resolution 56

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING DALLAS COWBOYS QUARTERBACK DAK PRESCOTT UPON RECEIVING THE 2016 ASSOCIATED PRESS NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD.

WHEREAS, after an incredible season as quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott was awarded the 2016 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award at the NFL Honors ceremony on February 4, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Rayne Dakota "Dak" Prescott is infinitely more than just the exceptional, dual-threat quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, he possesses a remarkable persona that transcends the football field and truly embodies the tenets of compassion, humility and hospitality that represents the ideologies of this great Magnolia State; and

WHEREAS, born on July 29, 1993, in Sulphur, Louisiana, to Nathaniel and Peggy Prescott, once Dak earned the starting quarterback position at Haughton High School in Haughton, Louisiana, his rise to football stardom escalated quickly as he became the quarterback with a prolific ability to rush the pigskin into the end zone but also throw passes that sailed smoothly through the air and landed perfectly in the arms of his receivers as they sprinted to the goal line, completing 159 of 258 passes for 2,860 yards and 39 touchdowns and rushing for 951 yards on 90 attempts with 17 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, entering Mississippi State University as one of the most admired quarterbacks at the time, Dak was redshirted as a true freshman in 2011 and played backup to Tyler Russell in 2012, and while playing backup was his role for the 2013 season as well, when Tyler Russell suffered a concussion, Dak took over, playing in 11 games, completing 156 of 267 passes for 1,940 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions and rushing for 829 yards on 134 carries with 13 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, during the 2013 season, Dak was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 Liberty Bowl after leading the Bulldogs to a 44-7 victory over the Rice Owls, a game in which his mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment he exited the locker room until the final buzzer signaled victory and the Bulldogs' well-deserved trophy was raised under the stadium's twinkling lights; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 season was the first season that Dak led the Bulldogs as the official full-time starter, and it was quite the season, as he led the team to a 10-2 regular season record, its first No. 1 ranking in program history, and down to Miami, Florida, for the Orange Bowl; and

WHEREAS, Dak's tenure at Mississippi State University not only brought national recognition to the school's football program but also garnered record-breaking feats, awards and numerous titles for Dak's personal quarterback portfolio, including the abolishment of over 10 school records, the Conerly Trophy and was named a finalist for the Maxwell Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Manning Award and the Davey O'Brien Award; and

WHEREAS, the Dallas Cowboys entered the 2016 NFL Draft with a plan to pick up a young quarterback to train and develop under the tutelage of Tony Romo, and Dak Prescott became their guy in the fourth round of the draft, but after Tony Romo suffered an injury in the Week 3 preseason game, Dak transitioned from developing as rookie quarterback into the starting quarterback for America's football team; and

WHEREAS, when his role on the team shifted, Dak had already displayed a solid performance in the preseason, as he had impressed his coaches and fans with his pass completions, rushing yards and veteran-like pocket poise and decision making, and on September 11, 2016, at AT&T Stadium versus conference rivals, the New York Giants, he became only the fourth rookie quarterback in franchise history to open the season as a starter; and

WHEREAS, throughout the Cowboys' season of play, No. 4 displayed remarkable skill with his passing game as well as his run game, unwavering dedication to his team, and perseverance through the toughest situations, solidifying his rightful place in the NFL with a 17-yard pass to Dez Bryant in the endzone, his first NFL touchdown, in the Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears; and

WHEREAS, Dak's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was overflowing with success, as he was named Offensive Rookie of the Month in November, named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week four times, and was selected to play in the 2016 Pro Bowl, ultimately proving that he is a force to be reckoned with and will garner immense success for Dallas in the years to come; and

WHEREAS, the people of present-day Mississippi have received abundant enjoyment from watching playmaker and star quarterback, Dak Prescott, pass, rush, and play with the Cowboys, and, despite their state college of choice, are extremely proud of the positive recognition his athletic abilities has brought to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby congratulate Dak Prescott upon receiving the 2016 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and extend best wishes for continued success on and off the field.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Rayne Dakota "Dak" Prescott and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.