"“Hug your teammates. Tell your teammates you love them. If you're going through something, don't be afraid to share it.”"
“Hug your teammates. Tell your teammates you love them. If you're going through something, don't be afraid to share it. You and your teammate, or you and a couple of teammates, whoever, y’all can get through. This problem may seem a lot to one person, but I promise you, to the team, it’s nothing. That’s where my mind is with my heart. I love you guys.”
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott attended his former high school, Haughton High School, for his jersey retirement the day that Kneeland passed. Prescott lost his brother to suicide in 2020 so Kneelands passing hits Prescott deeper than others. He gave a heartfelt speech to the Haughton football team.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away on Nov. 6, 2025, during the team’s bye week. Kneeland, 24, had just scored his first NFL touchdown three days prior on a recovered punt block by Sam Williams.
Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He was given the legendary No. 94, previously worn by legends such as Charles Haley and DeMarcus Ware, and expected to be a big part of the Dallas defense following their trading of Micah Parsons in the offseason.
Prescott has been one of the leading advocates in the NFL for mental health since he entered the league in 2016. He understands the importance of maintaining proper mental health. The 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner has a foundation called Faith Fight Finish that focuses on four pillars: colon cancer research, mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement and communities, and life-challenging hardship assistance.
The entire NFL community was shaken by the sudden loss of Kneeland. Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement in which he asked all teams to hold a moment of silence for Kneeland during their ensuing game.
The Dallas Cowboys will be back in action on Monday Night Football in Las Vegas to face the Raiders. They will wear a commemorative helmet decal to honor Kneeland. The team plans to wear the decal for the rest of the season. His presence on the field will be missed, but it will undoubtedly be missed more off the football field.
Key Stat
Marshawn Kneeland passed away at age 24, just three days after scoring his first NFL touchdown.
