Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott plans to deliver belated birthday gift to HC

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/11/22

Dak Prescott plans to deliver head coach Mike McCarthy a belated birthday gift Sunday: a win over Green Bay.

"That'll be his present," the Cowboys' QB said during a Thursday news conference. "I made them play a little birthday music for him today."

McCarthy, who turned 59 years old Thursday, was the Green Bay head coach from 2006-2018. After winning the second-most games in the franchise's history (125) and Super Bowl XLV, the Packers fired him following a 4-7-1 start in 2018.

McCarthy is returning to Lambeau Field for the first time since his dismissal. He attempted to curtail emotions surrounding the game, but McCarthy couldn't contain tears during a Monday news conference.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was asked today what he and his family miss most about Green Bay. Cowboys play at Packers this Sunday. Video via @dallascowboys. pic.twitter.com/6v9ofFBwP8
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 7, 2022

Prescott revealed the emotional storyline is a factor that has galvanized the team, a 4.5-point favorite, per Oddschecker.com.

"I can't wait for his Saturday night speech," Prescott said. "We know how long he was up there. We know how special going back up there is for him."

The last time the Cowboys beat the Packers (3-6) was in Prescott's rookie year in 2016.

The last time Dak Prescott played up in Green Bay. Light work. pic.twitter.com/s4RoWDSTrS
— ernie (@es3_09) November 7, 2022

Prescott is motivated to get his first victory in six years over Green Bay, whose passing defense is ranked second in the league. He's motivated to deliver for McCarthy, too.

"He knows I've got his back," he said. "He's meant a lot."

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