Copyright Heavy.
The Dallas Cowboys are remembering one of their own. Days after the death of defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, the team paid tribute to their 24-year-old teammate with flowers and heartfelt messages at his locker inside the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Cornerback Josh Butler shared a photo to his Instagram stories of Kneeland’s locker surrounded by bouquets and roses, writing, “Love you dawg.” The tribute came as the Cowboys entered their bye week and began processing the tragic loss of a young player whose energy, drive, and personality had quickly made an impact in the locker room. According to ESPN, the organization has made counseling resources available to players, coaches, and staff as they grieve together. The team is scheduled to return to practice Monday. Dak Prescott Speaks on Marshawn Kneeland’s Death and Mental Health Star quarterback Dak Prescott spoke publicly Thursday about the devastating loss while attending the dedication of a football field named in his honor at his Louisiana high school. “It’s been a very tough day … it started early finding out the news,” Prescott told CBS News Texas. “Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today. I hurt for Marshawn. I hurt for his family. I hurt for his girlfriend [Catalina]. I hurt for every single one of my teammates.” Prescott continued, “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 — and hug and love on those that you do.” The three-time Pro Bowler has long been a strong voice in the mental health community through his Faith, Fight, Finish foundation. Prescott, who lost his brother to suicide in 2020, has used his platform to promote awareness and encourage people to seek help when they’re struggling. “It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling,” Prescott said. “I’ll tell you first and foremost, I don’t always have all the answers. And today is not a day that I felt like I had answers. Triggering day for many reasons… I don’t have words other than I love you for friends and families and people who may be struggling.” He also shared that the team held a video call after hearing the news. “That I love them,” Prescott said when asked what he told his teammates. “A few people spoke and did an amazing job. It’s about telling that person how I feel about them when I see them. Tough moment for this team. I hurt for everybody that’s involved and for Marshawn’s family and loved ones.” Teammates and NFL Community Remember Marshawn Kneeland Messages of support and grief poured in across the NFL. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa wrote on Instagram, “Rest in peace brother, we love you… so much love and respect for you brother.” Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb shared, “You just never know, sleep well brada.” Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas — another outspoken advocate for mental health and founder of The Defensive Line foundation — posted a moving tribute: “Brother Marshawn, I love you. I wish you knew it was going to be okay. I wish you knew how bad we wanted you to stay. My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirit up every day.” According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction late Wednesday night before a pursuit began. The vehicle later crashed, and Kneeland was found dead early Thursday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Frisco police stated he had “suicidal intentions.”
