Dak Prescott's jersey patch, explained: Why Cowboys QB wears Walter Payton Man of the Year logo for 2024

Dak Prescott is in his ninth season as an NFL starting quarterback, but many noticed last year that the veteran quarterback has a new addition to his uniform for 2023. That comes in the form of a special, exclusive jersey patch.

Prescott has a uniform decal in the shape of the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy that he continues to wear for 2024. He has earned the right to wear this after taking home the NFL's most prestigious honor in wake of the 2022 season.

And as long as Prescott is an active NFL player, he will be permitted to sport that patch on his jersey.

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But how does the Walter Payton Man of the Year jersey patch work, and which players are allowed to wear it? Here's what to know about the jersey patches and helmet decals that will be on display during the 2024 NFL season.

Dak Prescott jersey patch, explained

Dak Prescott is among those wearing a Walter Payton Man of the Year patch because of an NFL rule that was instituted in 2017.

The NFL, wanting to bring attention to what the league considers its most prestigious award, ruled that active players who have won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award are allowed to wear a special jersey patch calling attention to that award. The patch comes in the shape of the Walter Payton trophy and is displayed on the top left side of the player's jersey.

In addition to the jersey patch, the NFL has special helmet decals that are given out to each team's nominee for the award once announced. Those nominations are typically revealed near the midpoint of the season.

Walter Payton Man of the Year winners by year

Prescott is the second most recent winner of the award and is one of four active NFL players who have earned the right to wear the jersey patch. The other three are Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and Dolphins defensive end Calais Campbell, who won the award in 2023, 2020 and 2018 respectively.

Below is the full list of Walter Payton Man of the Year award winners dating back to 1970. There have been three years — 2000, 2006 and 2016 — where multiple players have won the award.