Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recently opened up about his thoughts on the Uvalde, Texas mass shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead. The athlete admitted that the harrowing nature of the event has left him afraid to have children and send them to school.
Last week, a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which resulted in the death of 19 schoolchildren. In wake of the event, the Cowboys quarterback discussed wanting to increase protection in schools in order to keep kids safe.
“We’re talking about children. We’re talking about the future. I mean, I don’t have kids and can’t imagine having to send my kid to school with that anxiety,” he shared in an interview after practice. “Honestly, it makes me fearful to have children, and that’s not right. That’s sad.”
“I don’t know how something like that doesn’t impact everyone, I don’t care if you’re an athlete or not,” Prescott included.
The 28-year-old quarterback is also using his platform to encourage gun reform and prevent another tragedy like this from occurring. During the interview, he discussed plans to hold a community outreach event through his organization, Faith Fight Finish Foundation.
RELATED: Steve Kerr Makes Powerful and Moving Speech Regarding Following Texas Elementary School Shooting
Prescott explained, “If yesterday and two weeks ago and all of what we’ve been through hasn’t been a call for each and every one of us for help, for our neighborhood and what’s going on with them individually and how we’re protecting, policing and serving one another throughout our community, something has to be done and a change has to happen now.”
Dak Prescott’s teammate Demarcus Lawrence weighs in on Texas gun reform
In addition to Prescott, Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence contributed his thoughts. As a father and member of the Texas community, Lawrence urged Governor Greg Abbott to increase school security.
“It’s very hard. It’s nerve-wracking,” Lawrence shared. “Every time I have a chance to go in the locker room, I hit up my wife. ‘How are the kids? Are they home yet?’ It’s something you wouldn’t expect. But this is what we are dealing with.”
Prescott’s teammate also encouraged the entire community to look at this issue and encourage reform, in order to properly construct change and prevention. “This is all of us. All of us are going to have to step in,” he stated. “Make sure we are building a safer workspace, safer environment for us to grow in.
