FRISCO (Texas) — The Dallas Cowboys have been rocked since the death last week of Marshawn Knieland, a 24-year-old edge-rusher. It was the result of allegedly self-inflicted bullet wound. The team has been doing everything they can to support each other since then. On Nov. 6, the Cowboys hosted a Zoom call with internal doctors and counsellors, including team psychologist Dr. Heather Twedel. Staff members spoke to individual players between Nov. 6, and Monday. Monday began with a team meeting, followed by breakout sessions between players and employees. A team spokesperson said that the same schedule was repeated on Tuesday with guest speakers and counseling components. Catalina Mancera’s girlfriend Kneeland requested the event, as she wanted to be with the community. A reception was held with the family, team members and friends after the 90-minute ceremony.Cowboys’ coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Wednesday that he wanted to send his condolences Marshawn’s girlfriend Catalina and to the family of Marshawn. “Last night, we were able to celebrate Marshawn”s life. “We shared stories, laughed and cried. Marshawn liked the words “One Love,” so we talked about love a lot as we grieved.
He was the most playful young man I have ever met. His smile would make you fall to your knees. Nobody had a more powerful motor than he did. It’s a heavy heart for me, and it’s a heavy heart for our team. We don’t move on, but we do move forward.Jonathan Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, and Cowboys team chaplain opened and closed the Vigil. Schottenheimer was joined by owner and general manger Jerry Jones, Mancera as well as Kneeland’s high school coach Brandon Kimble. Also speaking were agent Jon Perzley and advisor Jay Bass.
Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner is ‘devastated by the death of Marshawn Knieland: We all have to share in this sorrow’
Shanna McCarriston
“We will always be stronger together.” We are all stronger together. Schottenheimer explained that on Monday, we created a space where we could be together to share and discuss. We offered people to help us understand what we were feeling. Yesterday we had a breakfast we called a brotherhood, where we just sat for 45 mins and ate with each other. We laughed, we cried and shared.
Cowboys launched Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund for Mancera, Kneeland and their unborn child.Schottenheimer explained, “We’re going to take care of her and the child for the rest their lives.” It’s a very important issue to our team and to us.”Honoring KneelandThe Cowboys plan to wear a helmet decal honoring Kneeland until the end of 2025, but the design, whether it’s his initials or jersey number, is still being finalized. They’ll wear memorial t-shirts ahead of their Week 11 “Monday night” game. FootballThe Eagles will play in Week 12 at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, and they’ll also play a game in Las Vegas – their first game since Kneeland died.
Dallas plans to hold a moment of silence and play a tribute video for Kneeland prior to kickoff in Week 12 at AT&T Stadium. Additional tribute elements are being finalized.Schottenheimer: “I’m going to always tell the players how much I love and respect them. They’ll probably get tired of me saying it. To be honest, I probably won’t be the same. … Most of our guys were with people they loved and cared about when this happened. I know I hugged them and my wife. This helps ease the pain a bit.”Returning back to footballKneeland was killed during the Cowboys bye week of Week 10, giving the team enough time to start processing the tragedy prior to returning to training on Thursday.
Schottenheimer stated, “One day at time.” It’s going hit everyone differently. … You lean into one another, you love on one another. … Some guys getting out on the grass will be the best thing in the world for them. It’s okay if it hurts for some guys to get out on the grass. We will give each other time and grace. These guys will be ready for the Raiders. We will honor Marshawn by how we play not only against the Raiders, but throughout the season.Both Dak Prescott (quarterback) and Solomon Thomas (defensive tackle) have lost siblings through suicide. Jace Prescott in 2020 and Ella Thomas in 2018.Prescott told CBS News Texas that it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. He said this Thursday during a ceremony held in Haughton Louisiana. “It’s hard to balance my feelings today. … Tough moment for this team. “I feel for everyone involved and Marshawn’s family and loved one.”
Prescott and Thomas have both been vital to the Cowboys in their grief over the loss of an adored teammate.”Those two are the best leaders in this league,” he stated. “Unfortunately, it’s very difficult for them to speak about what has been devastating for their lives. … It was hard to hear the pain that some of these guys are dealing with, but it was also uplifting to hear the strength from other guys. It’s the power of a group. … I’m hurting, and these guys have picked me up — and I’ve picked them up. This is what we will continue to be because we care about each other. “It’s what family members do.”
2025-11-12 22:38:45
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