Dak Prescott Joins Elon Musk in Honoring Iryna Zarutska With $250K Donation

Arlington, TX – September 10, 2025

The death of 23-year-old Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte has sparked grief and global solidarity. On Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the latest NFL star to join Elon Musk in honoring her memory with a powerful act of giving.

Musk previously pledged $1 million to fund murals of Zarutska across major U.S. cities, building on an initiative launched by Intercom CEO Eogan McCabe, who committed $500,000 in artist grants for public artwork.

Now, Prescott has pledged a $250,000 personal donation, saying Zarutska’s story resonated with him as both an athlete and a father figure.

“Iryna came here chasing peace and a better future, and her life was stolen in such a senseless way. I want to help ensure her name is remembered with love, hope, and strength,” Prescott said in a statement.

The announcement comes alongside continued outrage, with former U.S. President Donald Trump demanding the death penalty for suspect Dekarlos Brown, who has been charged with first-degree murder.

For Prescott, the donation reflects his long-standing commitment to community causes and a belief that athletes can use their platform to turn tragedy into remembrance — helping to transform pain into unity.

Chiefs waive rookie after he refuses to sign IR paperwork over pay cut concerns, ahead of the 2nd preseason game

Kansas City’s preseason preparations have been rattled by an unexpected roster dispute that shifted attention away from on-field evaluations. What started as a routine injury designation quickly escalated into a standoff between an undrafted rookie and the Chiefs’ front office.

The disagreement stemmed from a decision to place the player on injured reserve (IR) — a standard move teams often use to manage roster flexibility and safeguard long-term health. This time, the process stalled when the rookie refused to go along.

At the center of the situation is tight end Jake Briningstool, a Clemson standout who holds the program record for career receptions by a tight end (127). In his final two seasons, he hauled in 99 catches for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns.

General manager Brett Veach addressed the matter firmly: “If you won’t sign the IR papers, you’re telling me you’d rather chase a paycheck than protect your career — and that’s not how we build a winning culture here.”

Briningstool suffered a hamstring injury during training camp, forcing him out of the preseason opener against Arizona. He had already missed several practices, and the setback raised doubts about his ability to compete for a roster spot this summer.

By refusing the IR designation, Briningstool not only risks aggravating the injury but also jeopardizes his standing in a crowded tight end room. The decision has left Kansas City weighing roster needs against a player’s individual stance.

Fan reaction has been divided. Some admire the rookie’s determination to fight for a place on the active roster, while others see the move as a gamble that could derail his NFL dreams before they even start.

Sources inside the organization say Veach is leaving the door open. The rookie has until the end of the preseason to reconsider and accept the IR designation. His future in Kansas City will depend on whether he chooses security or competition.