Cowboys Mourn the Loss of Marshawn Kneeland as Brian Schottenheimer Delivers Emotional Tribute

As the Dallas Cowboys returned from their Week 10 bye, football briefly took a backseat. The organization continues to grieve the death of second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, whose passing last week stunned teammates and staff. Before turning his focus to Monday’s upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Brian Schottenheimer opened his press conference with an emotional statement remembering the 24-year-old.

“I’d like to just take a few moments and offer my condolences to Marshawn’s family, Catalina, his girlfriend,” Schottenheimer said. “We had an opportunity last night to celebrate Marshawn’s life — tell some stories, share, laugh, cry. Marshawn loved the words ‘one love,’ so we talked a lot about love as we grieve.”

The coach described Kneeland as a rare presence — both on and off the field. “He had the most playful spirit of any young man I’ve been around,” Schottenheimer continued. “His smile could take you to your knees, and as an athlete, nobody had a better motor than him.”

It was a powerful moment of reflection for a team still processing an unimaginable loss, one that has reshaped the emotional tone inside the Cowboys’ locker room.

1. Remembering a Promising Young Player

Kneeland, a former Western Michigan standout, was selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and quickly emerged as a hard-working, high-energy presence within the defensive line group. His effort and enthusiasm had earned praise from veterans and coaches alike. Authorities confirmed that Kneeland’s death was ruled a suicide. The tragedy came just days after one of the most memorable moments of his young career — scoring his first NFL touchdown in the Cowboys’ Week 9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. In the wake of his death, the team gathered privately Tuesday evening to honor Kneeland’s memory. Players and coaches shared stories about his humor, relentless drive, and the positivity he brought to every practice and meeting. Team officials described the gathering as emotional but cathartic — a moment to mourn, reflect, and support one another through the kind of loss that transcends sports.

2. Schottenheimer’s Message: “We Don’t Move On, But We Move Forward”

Schottenheimer, who took over as Dallas’ head coach this season, has leaned heavily on his team’s leadership group in recent days. His message throughout the week has centered on unity, compassion, and the idea of moving forward without forgetting. “My heart is heavy. Our team’s heart is heavy,” he said. “We don’t move on, but we do move forward.” The phrase has since been echoed by several Cowboys players in interviews and social media posts — a rallying reminder to carry Kneeland’s memory into the weeks ahead. The Cowboys organization has also been in contact with Kneeland’s family to offer ongoing support, with multiple players expressing plans to attend memorial services. Team chaplains and mental health professionals have been made available to all staff and players. Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of relying on each other. “In moments like this, football doesn’t seem so important,” he said. “But what we do have is each other — and that’s how we’ll get through this.”

3. Looking Ahead While Honoring a Teammate

The Cowboys will return to practice later this week in preparation for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. For many players, the game will represent an emotional challenge — their first since losing a friend and teammate. Leaders within the locker room, including Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott, have reportedly stepped forward to help maintain focus and morale, ensuring that the team channels its grief into purpose. Prescott shared on social media that the team intends to dedicate the rest of the season to Kneeland’s memory. As Dallas looks to regain its footing on the field, the organization’s focus remains just as much on emotional healing as competitive readiness. “There’s no playbook for something like this,” one assistant coach said. “All we can do is love each other and honor Marshawn the best way we know how.” In a season already defined by challenges, the Cowboys now face their most difficult test — finding strength and unity in the face of loss.