Honoring Legacy: Cowboys Remember Marshawn Kneeland

The Dallas Cowboys dedicated their recent 33-16 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders to the late defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away less than two weeks prior. The game not only served as a competitive platform but also as a heartfelt tribute to a player who left a lasting impact in his brief time with the team.

Wearing themed warmup shirts in his honor, the Cowboys held up Kneeland's No. 94 jersey after their win, emphasizing that their tributes to him won't stop here. Quarterback Dak Prescott asserted, "This doesn't put a cap on it. We're going to continue to move forward, shining light on Marshawn, and carrying his legacy." He reiterated the importance of consistency in honoring Kneeland as the season progresses.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb echoed Prescott's sentiments, stating, "I just feel like we've got to continue to honor him, not just, again, have it one week after, because it's fresh. It's easy to kind of forget about things, and I feel like for Marshawn, it's just making sure that he's always appreciated and thought of, for everything that he's done and the impact that he's made in two years." This determination to keep Kneeland's memory alive resonates deeply within the team's commitment.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed pride in his players for how they confronted the difficult emotions surrounding Kneeland's passing. He stated, "They wanted to honor him, and we're not done honoring him. He's a part of our family forever." The emotional weight of the last 11 days has been significant, yet the team managed to channel their grief into a powerful performance on the field.

Before the game, both the Cowboys and Raiders observed a moment of silence, featuring Kneeland's image alongside the suicide hotline number 988 on video boards, underscoring the serious nature of the situation. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams mentioned how that tribute motivated him during the game, emphasizing the influence Kneeland had even in death.

The Cowboys, who fell behind early in the matchup, quickly rallied to score four consecutive touchdowns and established a dominant lead by the third quarter. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown shared, "Our brother is on the sideline with us, whether it's physical or spiritually. So having his jersey there, that's the least we can do. We already know Marshawn is out there on the field with us." This sentiment encapsulates the bond formed through shared experiences and grief.

Continuing their tribute, the Cowboys have decided to wear Kneeland's No. 94 on their helmets for the remainder of the 2025 season. The team is also planning special tributes ahead of their Week 12 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, marking their return to AT&T Stadium since Kneeland's untimely death.