The NFL has directed all 32 teams to observe a moment of silence this Sunday, November 9. This tribute will honor the late Dallas Cowboys defensive end, Marshawn Kneeland. The league sent a memorandum to teams on Friday, November 8, according to ESPN.
The moment of silence will be followed by a public service announcement. Announcers will state, “If you or someone you know is going through a hard time or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to help.”
Kneeland died by suicide on Thursday, November 6. He was 24 years old. His death followed a police pursuit that same night.
According to a press release from Frisco Police, officers initially lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle. It was later found crashed on Dallas Parkway. Police utilized K-9 units and drones in an attempt to locate Kneeland.
During the search, authorities reported that Kneeland had expressed “suicidal ideations.”
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement on Thursday following the tragic news. “With deep sadness, the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team wrote. “Marshawn was a much-loved teammate and a valuable member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The NFL also issued its own statement. “We are deeply affected by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland,” the league expressed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, his family, friends, and his teammates.” The league confirmed it has offered support and counseling resources to the Cowboys.
Players across the NFL have shown an outpouring of support in the days since Kneeland’s death. This includes former teammates Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott spoke to CBS Sports Texas on Thursday. “It hurts. My heart is very heavy today. It hurts for Marshawn, it hurts for his family,” he said. “It hurts for his girlfriend, it hurts for every one of my teammates.”
Prescott added that this is “a pain you don’t wish on anyone.” He wished that “none of us had to go through this” and that “Marshawn hadn’t had to go through what he did.”
Micah Parsons shared his personal connection with Kneeland on Friday. “Marshawn is a guy who loved anime, loved video games, just like anyone,” Parsons stated. “He always showed me a lot of respect from the moment he walked into the locker room.”
Parsons continued, “He respected me as a player, he respected me as a person, so I only have high regard for him.” He offered support, saying, “If his family needs anything, I’ll be the first to help or offer what I can. I just hope he and his family find peace in this situation.”
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones also commented on the loss to Us Weekly on Thursday. He encouraged everyone to “always be looking out for each other.”
Jones highlighted the importance of speaking out. “As a man, you don’t talk about these things as much or suppress the feeling,” he told Us Weekly. “Knowing that there are people who care about you and that there is help for you, that we are here to support each other.”
He concluded, “It’s unfortunate. We talk about it as a team. You have to love your brothers. You always have to look out for each other. You never know what someone is going through.”
For anyone experiencing difficulties or a crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.