Content warning: This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
All Week 10 NFL games will feature a pre-game moment of silence in memory of late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Advertisement
Kneeland passed away this week, with authorities investigating the 24-year-old’s death as a «possible suicide,» believing he died «from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.»
Following the moment of silence, a message will be read in each stadium that says, «If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 to help.»
The Cowboys are on their bye this week with their next home game coming on Nov. 23 during Week 12.
Police said this week they were called to locate a vehicle that evaded police after a pursuit. They located the vehicle, which was crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
Advertisement
Officers were reportedly also called to perform a welfare check at Kneeland’s apartment earlier in the evening. They did not make contact with Kneeland at the apartment, as the car pursuit was already in progress, a police spokesperson told NFL Network.
Officers said Kneeland fled the scene on foot. As police were searching for Kneeland, they were informed he had «expressed suicidal ideations,» per the release. Officers found Kneeland at 1:31 a.m. «deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.» Kneeland’s official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The police investigation remains ongoing.
After a standout college career, in which he amassed 27.5 sacks in five seasons at Western Michigan, Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. He played in 11 games as a rookie, picking up 14 tackles, three quarterback hits and a fumble recovery.
Advertisement
Kneeland appeared in seven games, including three starts, with the team in 2025. In Week 1, he recorded his first sack in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. On Monday, in what would be his final game, he scored his first NFL touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Following his death, many around the league paid tribute to Kneeland on social media. That included his most prominent teammate, Dak Prescott, who spoke Thursday night about his teammate’s death.
«I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today,» Prescott told CBS News Texas at his high school alma mater Haughton High (La.) after a field dedication ceremony in his honor. «I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend and I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody.»
The Cowboys sent thoughts and prayers to Kneeland’s girlfriend and family.
«It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.»
Star defensive end Micah Parsons, who was traded from the Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers in August, paid tribute to Kneeland on Instagram, posting an image of Kneeland featuring the text «I’m sorry little brother I hope you find peace.» Linebacker Kenneth Murray and running back Phil Mafah sent out similar posts in honor of Kneeland.
Advertisement
A moment of silence in memory of Kneeland was held before Thursday night’s game between Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field.
