The Dallas Cowboys players continue to grieve following the stunning death of 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland. Hours after news broke of Kneeland’s death, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sent a heartfelt message about his former teammate as the star continues to raise awareness for mental health.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland died from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
“I hurt (with a) heavy, heavy heart today,” Prescott told CBS News Texas during a November 6, 2025, interview. “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 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 (have). It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. And I’ll tell you first and foremost, I don’t always have the answers, and today’s not a day that I felt like I had answers.”
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Lost His Brother Jace to Suicide in 2020
Prescott has been outspoken about supporting those who deal with mental health challenges. The Cowboys quarterback lost his brother Jace to suicide in 2020.
“Honestly, a couple of days before my brother passed, I started experiencing depression,” Prescott explained in a 2020 interview on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” per NBC 5 DFW. “I didn’t know what I was going through, to say the least, and hadn’t been sleeping at all.
“But for one night, I sleep the best I’ve slept, missing ten-plus calls from (my brother) and giving my dad enough time to come in my bedroom and tell me what happened. So I woke up after the best night of sleep I’ve had in 2020 from the worst news, some of the worst news I’ll ever get.”
Marshawn Kneeland’s Cause of Death Was Ruled a Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
The defender was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft and became a key part of Dallas’ defensive line rotation this season. Police located Kneeland’s body hours after Texas Department of Public Safety officers attempted to stop the vehicle he was driving for his own safety.
“Frisco police radio said around 11:45 p.m. that members of a group chat Kneeland was in received a message from him saying ‘Goodbye,’” The Athletic detailed on November 6. “Officers attempted to directly contact Kneeland’s phone at about the same time after confirming his number with his girlfriend.
“… Based on the radio recording, officers began to narrow the search zone to an office complex just under half a mile west of the Dallas Parkway. A drone confirmed there was blood trickling from a porta-potty by the complex around 1:20 a.m., and an officer said thermal imaging showed the heat signature of someone curled up on the floor.”
Dak Prescott on Marshawn Kneeland’s Death: ‘Triggering Day for Many Reasons’
Prescott finds himself once again searching for answers following the passing of a teammate who was dealing with mental health challenges. The Cowboys quarterback revealed that the team held a Zoom call to help process Kneeland’s death.
“Triggering day for many reasons, on top of just knowing that this was ahead today and hard to balance my emotions today,” Prescott admitted. “And not a day that I have words other than I love you for friends and families and people who may be struggling.
“… Obviously we had a Zoom call and a few people that spoke did an amazing job. But as I said, (the lesson) it’s tell that person how I feel about them when I see ’em. Tough moment for this team. As I said, I feel and hurt for everybody that’s involved in this and Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”
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