The shockwaves of grief that swept through the Dallas Cowboys organization following the death of 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland found one of their steadiest leaders—quarterback Dak Prescott—struggling for words as he attempted to articulate the magnitude of the loss. Speaking on the same day the tragic news broke, Prescott described the sorrow as a “very tough day,” saying he carried a “heavy, heavy heart.”
A Loss Felt Deeply — On and Off the Field
The grief was not only for a teammate gone too soon, but for a young man whose life had just started to take flight. Kneeland had only recently recorded his first NFL touchdown and was seen as a rising talent within the Cowboys’ defense.
Prescott did not limit his mourning to words — he opened up about the emotional weight the loss carried, saying he hurt not just for Kneeland, but also for his family, his girlfriend, and all his teammates. “This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody,” he said. “You wish none of us had to go through this.”
He called the day “triggering,” balancing his grief with the public event he was scheduled to attend. Amid tears and struggle to find the right words, the veteran quarterback called for compassion, urging people to cherish their relationships and “hug and love on those that you do.”
From Grief to Message: Mental-Health, Love, Brotherhood
For Prescott, this tragedy stirred up more than sadness — it revived his long-held commitment to mental-health awareness. The quarterback has spoken openly before about personal pain following the suicide of his own brother years ago, and now, in light of Kneeland’s death, his advocacy carries even more urgency. Dallas News+1
At a recent game, Prescott wore wrist tape reading “ONE LOVE — RIP 94,” a tribute to Kneeland, and a reminder to embrace love and unity. “We get one life,” he said. “We’re responsible for being the best neighbor to the person next to us … show the world one love.”
He said it’s okay to feel pain, to struggle, to need help — and implored everyone to check on their loved ones, to speak up, to hold each other close.
A Team in Mourning — Coming Together in Pain
In the wake of Kneeland’s death, the entire Cowboys organization rallied — players, coaches, staff. Some players publicly shared their grief; others quietly offered support. In the locker room and remotely, teammates connected, sought solace, and tried to lean on one another.
Prescott said the team would continue talking about their feelings, about loss, about love — reminding everyone that beyond the tackles, touchdowns, and stadium lights, they are humans first. “I don’t always have the answers,” he admitted. “Today is not a day I felt like I had answers.
Why This Pain Resonates: Life’s Fragility, Mental-Health Reminder
Marshawn Kneeland was not just a jersey number. He was a son, a brother, a partner, and a young man with hopes and dreams — loved by teammates, family, and fans. As his story reverberates beyond the locker room, it stands as a sobering reminder: success and spotlight don’t shield anyone from inner battles.
For Prescott — and for fans everywhere — this painful moment underlines how fragile life can be, and how important it is to hold onto kindness, empathy, and open conversations. As he said: hug those you love, don’t take a single day for granted, and reach out when you need help.
Though Kneeland is gone, the ripples of his life — and the grief of his passing — have triggered reflections and actions that may save lives. For now, the Cowboys and their fans mourn. But through shared sorrow and love, they also strive to grow stronger.
