Every NFL coach has their own style when it comes to post-win traditions. In some teams, game balls are regularly awarded to standout players on offense, defense, and special teams.

However, that’s not the approach of Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy.

In Dallas, the “game-ball award” is a rare honor, making it particularly special when given.

After the Cowboys’ narrow 20-17 victory over the Steelers on Sunday, a game delayed by rain and lightning and played in McCarthy’s hometown of Pittsburgh, the coach gave his usual post-win locker room speech.

He praised the team for their resilience and highlighted their 3-0 road record.

As McCarthy was about to conclude, Dak Prescott interrupted, holding a football and announcing to the team’s cheers, “My man!”

Prescott then handed McCarthy the rare game ball.

Though McCarthy had previously beaten the Steelers in a Super Bowl with the Packers, he had never won in Pittsburgh, standing 0-4 against them. Still, McCarthy remained focused on his players, emphasizing,

“At the end of the day, this is about the players. This is a players’ game. I’m blessed to be part of the NFL for as long as I have.

I have tremendous respect for this organization, but this game is about the players. These guys poured it out there. Both sides.”

Prescott, along with a few teammates, had visited McCarthy’s family in Pittsburgh the night before, further solidifying the bond between quarterback and coach.

“I know how I feel about him,” Prescott said. “Love him. Great head coach.

He’s very, very proud to be from Pittsburgh.

That’s why I had to see some of the places he’s talked about, visit his parents’ house, and spend time with them.”

McCarthy is in the final year of his contract, and speculation about his future persists.

However, despite the uncertainties, the team has not lost faith in him. Sunday’s game and the post-game moment in the locker room only reinforced that bond.

Reflecting on the game, Prescott said, “I was saying it before the game started, we’re not going to forget this one. With the delays and everything that happened, it’s one of those games you never forget.

I just kept saying, ‘Let’s make it one to remember.'”