Make no mistake, Dallas Cowboys fans are living a nightmare right now. They’ve lost 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. The team is doing amazing things every day to keep his memory alive. They will don “Hokie Stone” T-shirts for the next two home games and wear a commemorative decal on their helmets for the rest of the season.
Upon learning of Kneeland’s death, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones moved quickly to call a virtual team meeting. With so many players being out of town, this provided an opportunity for everyone to gather together and mourn. The full team convenes for its first in-person meeting on Monday. For the first time since their Week 10 bye, they returned to The Star. As Jones spoke, she remembered the transformative effect Kneeland had on the T.E.A.M. Here, too, he provided insights on how to handle a unique loss and the struggle of adjusting with deeply felt absence.
“This is a moment in which we need to embrace no answers,” said Jones. For starters, he explained the emotional burden that the players and coaching staff are under. He noted that the impact of Kneeland’s death had cemented the Cowboys as a team. It did bring the team together in their pursuit of clarity in this uncertain time.
As part of their tribute, the Cowboys plan to honor Kneeland during their next game, on Thanksgiving Day against the Las Vegas Raiders. Many other NFL teams have joined in these memorials, observing moments of silence prior to their games in tribute. Jones has been thankful for these tributes and has praised the support he has received from all over the league.
It challenges you to embrace the human experience at its best. It pushes you to discover the absolute greatest in what we have to offer each other,” he stated. Jones underscored the importance of helping those who are currently facing mental health challenges, a focus that has become increasingly relevant following Kneeland’s death.
In reflecting on Kneeland’s life and artistry, Jones came to appreciate the young man’s creative and improvisational spirit. He also had an unmatched enthusiasm for life. So as great as his skill was, his passion for the game was just as extraordinary,” he said. This sentiment resonates deeply within the Cowboys organization as they navigate their grief while preparing for a normal practice week starting Thursday.
Jones emphasized that the group should continue to more and do their practice, ready themselves for the adapting wheels this week against the Raiders. At the same time, they would honor Kneeland’s legacy. “From the standpoint of the team and going back to work, there’s no doubt in my mind they will do so in memory of what he’s all about,” he stated.
Leave a Reply