Beyond the core pillars of the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation—including The Salvation Army, the National Medal of Honor Museum, youth football, youth health and wellness, Inspire Change, Hispanic outreach, and women's initiatives—the Dallas Cowboys proudly champion additional causes that matter to their fans and partners. Throughout the year, the organization brings these commitments to life by activating unique events and leveraging club resources to create meaningful, lasting impact across the community.
Featured Programs
Rookie Club
The Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club presented by Blockchain.com is an annual outreach initiative designed to introduce the team's newest members to the importance of giving back to the North Texas community. Traditionally, the Rookie Club participates in numerous community service projects and appearances, from school visits and youth football camps to assisting the clients of The Salvation Army.
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide is considered to be the NFL's most prestigious accolade, recognizing an NFL player for the outstanding community service activities that he performs off the field, in addition to the high level of excellence he displays in the huddle on game days. Four Dallas Cowboys players have received the national accolade – Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Jason Witten and Dak Prescott. In 2025, the Dallas Cowboys named Solomon Thomas as the team's annual nominee for the yearly honor. Thomas was recognized for his longstanding commitment to mental health awareness, including conducting monthly visits to high schools to advocate for mental health education and support. Throughout the season, Solomon made significant impact in the North Texas area by providing support and resources to Dallas ISD and their student mental health programming.
NFL Draft Day Fan Celebrations
The Dallas Cowboys celebrate their fans across the year, but specifically during the spring, by hosting three days of fan appreciation celebrations in association with the NFL Draft. The free events include concerts, appearances and autograph opportunities with current players, Legends, cheerleaders and mascot, in addition to sponsor activations, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and community volunteerism activities. In addition to the Draft Day event presented by Miller Lite, the Dallas Cowboys encouraged fans to celebrate the 2026 NFL Draft all weekend long by participating in a Dallas Cowboys Draft Day 5K.
Taste! at The Star
Hosted annually by the Dallas Cowboys in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, Taste! At The Star (formerly named Taste of the Cowboys) features former Dallas Cowboys players, live music, silent and live auctions, and culinary creations from over 20 of the area's hottest restaurant chefs. Since the fundraiser's inception in 2005, the effort has raised more than $6 million and provided nearly 30 million meals to hungry North Texas children through the Food Bank's member agencies and feeding programs.
Training Camp Helmet Carriers
The Dallas Cowboys ceremonially kick off their first training camp practice by inviting local youth NFL FLAG football players to take part in a memorable on-field experience, where the young athletes proudly escort Cowboys players onto the practice field while carrying their helmets.
Training Camp Community Corner
At each training camp practice, the Dallas Cowboys welcome local nonprofits and youth groups to the River Ridge Fields in Oxnard for a unique viewing experience, offering special opportunities to interact with players and mascot following practice. The Community Corner partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer groups an enhanced experience with goodie bags, snacks, and more.
ACS Gene & Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge
The Dallas Cowboys proudly support the American Cancer Society Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge in Dallas, building meaningful connections with patients and caregivers throughout the year. Since opening in September 2021, Hope Lodge has provided nearly 5,000 patients and caregivers 90,942 nights of comfort to deliver more than $13.2 million in savings to patients and caregivers undergoing lifesaving cancer treatment. Cowboys players, alumni, cheerleaders, executives, and staff regularly visit the facility, spending time with families and creating moments of comfort, joy, and encouragement during their cancer journeys. As part of the 2025 Crucial Catch initiative, Hope Lodge guests were welcomed to The Star for a special behind-the-scenes tour, while players' families volunteered onsite—serving meals, decorating pumpkins, and engaging in hands-on activities with residents. The partnership also extends to unique fundraising and awareness efforts, highlighted by Cowboys Team Chef Andrew Trollinger of Legends Hospitality earning first place in a Celebrity Chef competition with a high-fiber, cancer-fighting menu—further underscoring the organization's commitment to supporting Hope Lodge and advancing the fight against cancer both on and off the field.
Class Acts Teacher Recognition
In the 2025-2026 school year, Reliant and the Dallas Cowboys awarded $30,000 in grants benefitting six educators that are making an impact in their communities through the Class Acts program. Cowboys Class Acts honors DFW teachers that encourage, lead and strive for excellence in the classroom.
Bob Lilly Award
The Dallas Cowboys Bob Lilly Award presented in 2025 by Ryan Tax Services is the club's annual fan-voted honor recognizing the player who best exemplifies the qualities associated with Hall of Famer Bob Lilly -"Mr. Cowboy" and the franchise's first-ever draft pick - including leadership, sportsmanship, dedication, and on-field excellence. The award is determined through voting by Cowboys fans and is presented each season to the player who most embodies those values. Recent recipients include Dak Prescott (2025), Brandon Aubrey (2024), and Dak Prescott (2023), reflecting their outstanding contributions to the team and their leadership both on and off the field.
CommuniTEA Podcast
In June of 2026, the Dallas Cowboys launched CommuniTEA - a podcast hosted by Nicole Hutchison, that highlights how the star shines off the field. The podcast invites you to grab your cup, take a seat, and tap into heartfelt conversations with current Dallas Cowboys players. From community foundations and personal projects to family, faith, and purpose, CommuniTEA spills the tea on the values and legacies that connect us all and celebrates your favorite Cowboys beyond the game.
Cowboys In The Community Instagram
In 2024, the Dallas Cowboys launched a Cowboys In The Community on Instagram. The social media channel is dedicated to spreading the good news happening off the field and in the community. To date, the page has 23,500 followers and its content was viewed more than 6 million times by fans in 2025.