FRISCO, Texas – The entire Dallas Cowboys organization and the NFL football community continue to mourn the tragic loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
Throughout the course of the day of his passing, Kneeland's teammates showed outpourings of support and messages on social media to Kneeland and his family, as well as the importance of checking in on mental health with yourself and your loved ones.
"It's been a very tough day," QB Dak Prescott told CBS11 during a field dedication ceremony for him at his alma mater, Haughton High School. "It started early this morning, finding out the news. Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today. 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. Just thankful for each moment we have in this life, and don't take it for granted, hug and love on those that you do."
Prescott, who is an NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner for his efforts to help colon cancer research and mental health initiatives among other things, has been a large voice in the mental health community through his Faith, Fight, Finish foundation. Often writing "Ask 4 Help" on his wrist tape during games, Prescott echoed the message that it's okay not to be okay.
"It's okay to feel however you're feeling," Prescott said. "I'll tell you first and foremost, I don't always have all the answers. And today is not a day that I felt like I had answers. Triggering day for many reasons. On top of just knowing that [Prescott's field dedication ceremony] was ahead today, and hard to balance my emotions today, and not a day that I have words other than I love you for friends and families and people who may be struggling."
After the news of Kneeland's passing game out, Prescott said the Cowboys had a team video call.
"That I love them…" Prescott said of his message to his teammates. "Few people that spoke did an amazing job, but as I said, it's tell that person how I feel about them when I see them. Tough moment for this team. I feel and hurt for everybody that's involved in this and Marshawn's family and loved ones."
Another large voice in the NFL's mental health community is Kneeland's fellow defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, who was the Jets' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2024. Thomas, who founded his foundation called The Defensive Line aimed at ending the public health crisis of youth suicide, took to social media to voice his support.
"Brother Marshawn, I love you," Thomas wrote on Instagram. "I wish you knew it was going to be okay. I wish you knew the pain wouldn't last and how loved you are. I wish you knew how bad we wanted you to stay. My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirit up every day."
Other messages from teammates continued to pour in throughout the day. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb posted "You just never know, sleep well brada" on his Instagram. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa added "Rest in peace brother, we love you… so much love and respect for you brother" on his social media.
If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
For more information on mental health, visit www.mentalhealth.gov or call 1-800-273-TALK. Current and former NFL players/coaches can visit the league's Player Engagement website at www.nflplayerengagement.com
