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The Dallas Cowboys were struck by an unspeakable tragedy when defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died during the team’s bye week, just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown.
A second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2024, Kneeland was a rotational pass-rusher who became increasingly important to the Cowboys’ defense after Micah Parsons was traded earlier this season.
Since his passing, many of Kneeland’s teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and kindness. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team is supporting one another as they navigate this difficult time.
“We’ve got an incredible locker room, that’s where the culture of what we’re trying to build,” Schottenheimer told reporters after the Cowboys returned from their bye. “We are bonded more than any of us ever could have thought.”
As the Cowboys return their focus to football with Kneeland in mind, here is a look at how they are honoring their late teammate.
MORE: What we know about Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic death
Marshawn Kneeland helmet decals
The Cowboys are honoring Kneeland by wearing a helmet decal for the remainder of the season, according to ESPN. While the decal has not yet been revealed, “teammates will come up with the final design,” Todd Archer reports.
In addition to the decals, Cowboys players will wear shirts honoring Kneeland before their Nov. 17 game against the Las Vegas Raiders and their Nov. 23 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, which will be the team’s first home game since the defensive end’s passing.
A video tribute will be shown at AT&T Stadium before the Nov. 23 game.
Kneeland was the first active NFL player to die since Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson was killed in a 2024 car crash just months after being drafted. Every NFL game in Week 10 featured a moment of silence in Kneeland’s memory before kickoff.
What happened to Marshawn Kneeland?
Kneeland was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the early morning hours of Nov. 6.
Police said they attempted to stop Kneeland’s car for a traffic violation late that same night and were led on a pursuit before losing sight of his vehicle. After the pursuit was called off, police say, the car was found crashed and abandoned. Police searched the area and ultimately found Kneeland’s body at 1:31 a.m. CT, about three hours after the pursuit started.
Plano police said they conducted a welfare check at Kneeland’s home late that same night but did not make contact with anyone. The welfare check took place more than an hour after police attempted to stop Kneeland’s vehicle and about two hours before his body was found. The Cowboys’ director of security called police with concerns about Kneeland’s wellbeing, which prompted the welfare check at Kneeland’s residence.
TMZ reported Kneeland’s girlfriend contacted authorities, telling police the Cowboys defensive end had a history of mental health issues, was armed and said he would “end it all.” Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ reveals police were in contact with the NFL, which told authorities that Kneeland was “texting his family goodbye.”
Marshawn Kneeland cause of death
Kneeland’s death was ruled a suicide by gunshot. His body found by police nearly three hours after authorities first started pursuing his vehicle.
The NFL and NFL Players Association provided counselors to the Cowboys to help players deal with the news, though the team was on its bye week when the tragedy occurred.
