BREAKING: Dak Prescott and Fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos Step Up as Guardians for Abandoned Newborn in Dallas

In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring turn of events, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, have stepped forward to become the guardians of a newborn baby girl abandoned just five hours after her birth on April 28, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. The story, which broke early this morning on X and was later confirmed by local authorities and ESPN, has captivated the NFL community and beyond, highlighting the couple’s compassion and commitment to making a difference off the field.

The Incident: A Newborn Left Alone

According to a statement from the Dallas Police Department, the infant, referred to only as “Baby Grace” to protect her privacy, was found at approximately 3:00 AM on April 28, 2025, in a car seat outside a fire station in East Dallas. Wrapped in a blanket with a note reading, “Please care for my baby,” the newborn was discovered by firefighters during a routine check. Medical personnel confirmed the baby was healthy, estimated to be just five hours old, and likely born at a nearby hospital or home. The note provided no details about the mother or circumstances, prompting an ongoing investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) and local authorities to locate the parents.

The safe haven law in Texas, which allows parents to surrender newborns at designated locations like fire stations without legal repercussions, ensured the infant was immediately placed in protective custody. CPS, facing an urgent need for a foster placement, reached out to community leaders, which led to the involvement of Prescott and Ramos, who have been active in Dallas-area charitable initiatives.

Prescott and Ramos: A Call to Action

Dak Prescott, 31, and Sarah Jane Ramos, 30, were contacted by CPS through their connections with the Children’s Cancer Fund, a Dallas-based organization Prescott has co-chaired for years. The couple, parents to one-year-old Margaret Jane “MJ” Rose Prescott and expecting their second daughter in May 2025, did not hesitate to step in. According to ESPN, Prescott and Ramos, who announced their engagement in October 2024, completed emergency foster care certification and were approved as temporary guardians by CPS on the morning of April 28, 2025, less than 12 hours after the baby’s discovery.

“Dak and Sarah Jane felt a calling to act,” a source close to the couple told the Dallas Morning News. “They’ve always wanted to make a difference for kids in need, and when they heard about this baby, they knew they had to open their home.” The couple issued a brief statement through their attorney: “Our hearts broke for this child, and we’re honored to provide her a safe, loving home while authorities work to ensure her future. We ask for privacy and prayers for Baby Grace.”

The Emotional Impact

The decision has resonated deeply in Dallas, where Prescott is revered not only as the Cowboys’ star quarterback but also as a community leader. His $240 million contract extension in 2024 made him the NFL’s highest-paid player, but his off-field actions—supporting cancer research, mentoring youth, and now fostering a newborn—have solidified his status as a local hero. Ramos, a Tampa Bay native and distribution manager for Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, has also embraced Dallas, frequently attending Cowboys games and sharing her journey as a mother on Instagram.

The couple’s decision comes at a challenging time for Prescott, who is recovering from season-ending hamstring surgery in November 2024 and preparing for the 2025 NFL season under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Despite these demands, Prescott and Ramos have prioritized Baby Grace, with Ramos reportedly rearranging her work schedule to care for both MJ and the newborn. “Sarah Jane’s a rock,” Prescott told reporters at a recent charity event, per NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. “She’s the best partner and mother I could ask for, and she’s all in for this baby.”

Teammates have rallied around the couple. Linebacker Micah Parsons, who received contract advice from Prescott earlier this year, posted on X: “Dak’s not just a QB, he’s a real one. Taking in that baby? That’s love. #CowboysNation.” Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, whose own daughter was born in 2023, added, “Big respect to Dak and Sarah. They’re showing what family means.”

Community and NFL Reactions

The story has sparked an outpouring of support on X, where #BabyGrace and #DakPrescott are trending. One user wrote, “Dak and Sarah Jane are angels. Saving a newborn while raising their own? True heroes.” Another posted, “This is why Dak’s the face of Dallas. He steps up when it counts.” The hashtag #CowboysCare has also gained traction, with fans sharing stories of Prescott’s community work, including his support for the Children’s Cancer Fund, where he announced MJ’s birth in 2024.

NFL figures have joined the chorus. Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, who recently invested $3.6 million in homeless youth shelters, tweeted, “Dak’s heart is bigger than Texas. Respect for him and Sarah Jane. #BabyGrace.” Former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who made headlines for his $1.5 million donation to a 49ers family fund, commented, “Dak’s showing what it means to lead. Prayers for that little girl.”

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson praised the couple, stating, “Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos embody the spirit of our city—compassionate, resilient, and ready to act. Baby Grace is lucky to have them.” The Children’s Cancer Fund, a cause close to Prescott’s heart due to his mother Peggy’s battle with colon cancer, issued a statement: “Dak’s commitment to children in need is unmatched. This act of love is a testament to his character.”

The Bigger Picture: A Crisis and a Response

The abandonment of Baby Grace highlights the ongoing challenges of homelessness and poverty in Dallas. According to the Dallas Morning News, the city’s homeless population includes over 1,000 children, and CPS struggles with a shortage of foster homes. The safe haven law, while lifesaving, underscores the desperation some parents face, with Texas recording 15 safe haven surrenders in 2024 alone. Prescott and Ramos’s decision to foster Baby Grace has drawn attention to these issues, with local nonprofits like Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) calling for more foster parents.

The couple’s involvement could have a ripple effect. Their high-profile status—Prescott as the NFL’s highest-paid player and Ramos as a rising figure in Dallas society—may inspire others to foster or donate. The Prescott Family Foundation, established by Dak in honor of his mother, is reportedly exploring ways to support CPS and safe haven programs, per a source cited by SI.com.

Challenges and Next Steps

Fostering a newborn is no small task, especially for a couple expecting their second child. Prescott and Ramos, who welcomed MJ on February 22, 2024, are already navigating parenthood, with Ramos sharing poolside photos of MJ on Instagram Stories in April 2025, captioned, “Does it get any cuter than MJ eating snacks by the pool?” Their second daughter, due May 22, 2025, will share Prescott’s first name, Rayne, as her middle name, a nod to family tradition. Balancing two infants and a foster child will require significant support, which the couple is reportedly organizing through family and a nanny.

CPS is continuing its investigation to locate Baby Grace’s biological parents, a process that could take weeks or months. Prescott and Ramos have committed to serving as guardians for as long as needed, with the possibility of pursuing permanent adoption if the biological parents’ rights are terminated, per Texas family law. The couple’s emergency foster certification, fast-tracked due to their community standing, will be followed by standard foster training, ensuring they meet state requirements.

The NFL Context: Prescott’s Resilience

Prescott’s decision comes amid a tumultuous period for the Cowboys. The team’s 7-10 record in 2024, coupled with Prescott’s injury and the controversial trade for Jonathan Mingo, has fueled fan frustration. Owner Jerry Jones’ recent hint at a “major WR move” suggests roster changes, but Prescott’s focus remains on recovery and family. His leadership, praised by teammates like Parsons and coach Schottenheimer, is evident in his off-field actions, from supporting former teammate Tyron Smith’s retirement to now fostering Baby Grace.

The Cowboys’ 2025 draft, which included Alabama guard Tyler Booker and running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, aims to rebuild the offense around Prescott, who is expected to return fully healthy. His ability to balance these challenges while taking on guardianship underscores the “dad strength” he jokingly referenced after MJ’s birth, per CBSSports.com.

What’s Next?

Baby Grace is now in the Prescott-Ramos household, receiving round-the-clock care. CPS will provide regular check-ins, and a court hearing is scheduled for mid-May 2025 to review the case. The Dallas Police Department is analyzing security footage near the fire station and appealing for public tips to identify the mother, emphasizing that safe haven surrenders are not criminal acts.

Prescott and Ramos are expected to maintain privacy, with Ramos likely pausing her frequent Instagram posts about MJ to focus on the family’s new dynamic. The Cowboys’ offseason program, ongoing as of April 29, 2025, will see Prescott continue rehab while preparing for OTAs, but his role as a guardian will take precedence. Fans are already planning tributes at AT&T Stadium, with X posts calling for a “Baby Grace Day” to honor the couple’s generosity.

The NFL and Dallas communities are united in support, with #BabyGrace trending alongside messages of hope. As one X user wrote, “Dak and Sarah Jane are showing the world what love looks like. Baby Grace is in the best hands.” In a city known for its Cowboys pride, Prescott and Ramos have redefined heroism, offering a newborn a chance at a brighter future while inspiring others to act.

Sources: ESPN, Dallas Morning News, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, SI.com, CBSSports.com, X Posts