The Dallas Cowboys announced the worst news possible on November 6, when the team and the NFL announced the tragic news that Cowboys defender Marshawn Kneeland had died. He was 24 years old and had just earned his first touchdown in the NFL on November 3.
The Cowboys have been on their NFL bye week, but on Monday, November 17, they came back with a “Monday Night Football” game against the Las Vegas Raider and paid tribute to Kneeland.
As for what happened, according to an official release from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland was involved in a traffic stop after a moving violation in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday evening, November 5. According to the report, the police and Kneeland’s car were engaged in a chase, and police lost the vehicle. Later, they found the car after a crash, and Kneeland was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Dallas Cowboys announced in an official statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Marshawn Kneeland Honored By the Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys made sure to honor Kneeland during the game on Monday. Players and staff wore shirts with Kneeland’s photo on them, and the Cowboys also prepared a locker in his honor where his No. 94 jersey is displayed, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.
The Cowboys also shared on their social media the locker room with Kneeland’s No. 94 jersey hanging. During the pre-broadcast and broadcast, Kneeland’s name was mentioned a lot, too, so it was certainly a night to honor him.
GettyThe Dallas Cowboys paid tribute to their late player Marshawn Kneeland on “Monday Night Football.”
The Dallas Cowboys and Marshawn Kneeland’s Story Together
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft as the No. 56 overall pick. According to league research, Kneeland has posted 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack during his two seasons with the team. Kneeland was in seven of nine games this season, as well as 11 games during his rookie season, so he played more than most rookies.
Only a few months before he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the draft, he lost his mother, Wendy Kneeland, according to the Dallas News. According to the publication, he carried “the ashes of his mother, Wendy, in a vertically shaped urn, no bigger than 2 inches, on a chain around his neck.”
“Our thoughts are with the Cowboys organization and Marshawn’s family during this difficult time,” the Dallas Cowboys shared on social media. One commenter noted, “Such a tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with Marshawn’s family and friends.” Another mourned, “Rest in peace, Marshawn. Praying for your family, teammates, and everyone who loved you.”
The Dallas Cowboys also have a post pinned on their Instagram page saying that “your mental health matters” and urging anyone who is struggling or knows of someone who is struggling to call 988. “The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, offering free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress,” they note.
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