Copyright Athlon Sports
Key Points The Dallas Cowboys announced the tragic passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday. Kneeland, 24, was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reacted to the news during an interview with CBS. Tragedy struck the sports world on Thursday morning when the Dallas Cowboys announced that former second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland had tragically passed away at the age of 24 due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Kneeland had just competed for the Cowboys in their last game on Monday night and even scored a touchdown on a blocked punt recovery. The news drew widespread attention across the NFL, with several prominent figures sending their condolences, raising awareness for mental health, and highlighting the importance of support. One of Kneeland’s teammates, Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott, has been a long-time advocate for mental health awareness. On Thursday night, Prescott had a bittersweet moment when he was interviewed at his alma mater, Haughton High School, where he was being honored and had his jersey retired. He spoke about the passing of his teammate: “Yeah, it’s been a very tough day,” Prescott said. “It started early this morning, finding out the news. Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today. I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain that you don’t wish upon anybody. You wish none of us had to go through this. You wish Marshawn didn’t have to go through what he went through. And I’m just thankful for each moment we have in this life and don’t take it for granted.” Prescott later continued, using the moment to advocate for those struggling with mental health, an issue he has faced himself. “It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling, and I’ll tell you first and foremost, I don’t always have all the answers,” Prescott added. “Today is not a day I felt like I had answers. It’s a triggering day for many reasons, and hard to balance my emotions. I don’t have any words other than I love you for friends and family and for those who are struggling.”
