The Dallas Cowboys are in mourning after the sudden death of 24-year-old edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland, who died last week from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His passing has left a deep scar on one of the NFL’s most close-knit locker rooms.
In the days since, the Cowboys have done everything possible to process the heartbreak together. On November 6, the organization held a team-wide Zoom call with mental-health specialists, including team psychologist Dr. Heather Twedel. Staff followed up with individual player calls, then met again for group sessions that combined counseling, open conversations, and guest speakers.
The most emotional moment came Tuesday night inside the Ford Center in Frisco, where teammates, coaches, and family members gathered for a candlelight vigil. Organized by Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, the 90-minute ceremony included heartfelt speeches, quiet reflection, and long embraces.
“Marshawn loved the words ‘One Love,’” said coach Brian Schottenheimer. “He had the most playful spirit of any young man I’ve been around. His smile could take you to your knees. We told stories, we laughed, we cried. Our hearts are heavy, but we’ll move forward together.”
We’ll honor Marshawn with how we live, how we love, and how we play
Playing for Marshawn: A new purpose in Dallas
Out of tragedy, the Cowboys have launched several heartfelt initiatives to honor their fallen teammate. A Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund has been created to support Mancera and Kneeland’s unborn child. Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of the effort: “We want to make sure she and the baby are taken care of for the rest of their lives.”
Dallas will also wear a special helmet decal for the rest of the 2025 season, along with memorial T-shirts before their next games. Fans at AT&T Stadium during Week 12 will witness a tribute video and take part in a moment of silence before kickoff.
As the team prepares to return from its bye week, Schottenheimer has urged patience and compassion. “Some guys need the field right now. Others need time. We’ll give everyone grace. When we play again, we’ll play for Marshawn.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas have been central figures in helping teammates process the loss. Both men have experienced the tragedy of suicide in their own families. Prescott lost his brother Jace in 2020, and Thomas lost his sister Ella in 2018. Their shared strength and openness have become guiding lights for the locker room.
This is a tough moment for everyone. I hurt for Marshawn’s family and for our team
Thomas echoed similar feelings on social media, reminding fans and teammates of the importance of mental-health awareness and empathy.
For now, football takes a back seat. What matters most in Dallas is healing, connection, and honoring the life of a teammate who gave everything to the game.
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