Dak Prescott Leads Emotional Cowboys Effort to Honor Marshawn Kneeland in the Most Powerful Way

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys Vow to Honor Marshawn Kneeland by Channeling His Relentless Spirit

In the wake of the heartbreaking loss of 24-year-old edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys are not only mourning an incredible teammate—they’re committing to a powerful tribute in his honor.

On Thursday, the team returned to the practice field together for the first time since Kneeland’s death. The air was thick with grief, but there was also a clear sense of purpose. The Cowboys coaches and players made it clear: they will honour Marshawn not just with words, but by how they play.

Veterans like defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa—who shared two seasons in the defensive line room with Kneeland—and Solomon Thomas stepped up publicly, revealing the depth of the loss and the respect they felt. Odighizuwa said the hardest part was processing the “wave of shock” when the news hit.

Quarterback Dak Prescott, who himself experienced the pain of losing a brother, has made it clear that this will be about more than football. He’s emphasizing connection, communication and making sure every player understands they’re more than just a number— especially now.

So how will the tribute manifest on the field? One word: relentless. Odighizuwa captured it: “Relentless. Marshawn did everything 110%. That’s on and off the field.” Prescott added that whenever practice film was shown of hustle plays, Kneeland’s name came up. “Nobody chased the ball like Marshawn,” he said.

As the Cowboys gear up for their upcoming Monday Night showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders, they’re carrying more than a game plan—they’re carrying Marshawn’s legacy. In addition to helmet decals and pregame shirts, the team and organization are supporting the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to help his partner and unborn child.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer summed it up: “The grieving process is not over. … But our best way to honour Marshawn on the field is how we play.”

For fans of the Cowboys, this isn’t just another season—it’s a movement. A movement to remind the world what it means to play with heart, to chase every play, to give 110 % for the name on your chest and the person you’re honouring. Marshawn may be gone—but his spirit? It’s energizing Dallas anew.