Why Louisiana native Dak Prescott appreciates the Cowboys-Saints NFL rivalry

For Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, every game is taken with a certain business-like approach. But this week in his team’s home opener against the New Orleans Saints , there’s a personal touch added to the flavor.

Born in Sulphur, La., and raised in Haughton, La., Prescott is very familiar with the Saints fanbase. Growing up in what Louisiana natives coined as “The Boot,” Prescott was a junior at Haughton High School when he watched Drew Brees and the Saints make a magical run to the Super Bowl just five years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on the state.

Despite having friends and family that bleed the New Orleans gold, Prescott grew up rooting for the team he now leads every Sunday in the Dallas Cowboys. When the two teams would line up when he was growing up, it was always a treat.

These days? It’s special.

“I didn’t grow up a Saints fan, so it’s a little more fun,” Prescott said. “Obviously, after we get this win, being able to once again hold the bragging rights.”

The neighborly rivalry between the Cowboys and Saints dates back to 1967 with Dallas holding an 18-13 advantage in the series record. Prescott, who has averaged 236.7 passing yards per game in three career games against New Orleans, holds a 2-1 “bragging rights” advantage over his friends back home.

“I’ve had some friends reach out to me [saying], ‘I’ll be there. I’ll be in the end zone,’” Prescott said. “I’ve just kind of sent them an emoji and said, ‘Go Cowboys.’ They’ve fired back with ‘Who Dat?’ I wrote back ‘Who Dak?’ Good playful stuff back-and-forth.”

When asked what emoji he has sent back this past week, he gave a quick laugh while motioning to his hand.

“The finger,” he said.

Prescott’s three career contests against the Saints include a 13-10 victory at home in 2018, a 12-10 loss on the road in 2019 and a 27-17 victory on the road in 2021.