Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday. Perry Knotts / Getty Images
The NFL sent a memo to all teams Friday, asking them to hold a moment of silence before Sunday’s games in honor of late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, a team source told The Athletic Saturday.
The moment of silence will be followed by public-address announcers reading a message, saying, “If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 to help,” according to the source.
ESPN was first to report news of the memo.
Kneeland died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday in Frisco, Texas, after crashing his vehicle following a police chase, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. The crash occurred after police began pursuing Kneeland on Wednesday night and attempted to get him to stop the vehicle.
Initial reports indicated that Kneeland fled the scene on foot, according to the Frisco Police Department. The police in nearby Plano, about 20 miles north of Dallas, confirmed to The Athletic that a welfare concern check was conducted at an address associated with Kneeland on Wednesday at 11:40 p.m. local time. Officers did not find anybody at the residence.
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected in the second round of the 2024 draft. He played in seven games for Dallas this season, posting 12 tackles and one sack. On Monday, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone in a 27-17 loss at home against the Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL and the Denver Broncos observed a moment of silence for Kneeland before kickoff against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night. The NHL’s Dallas Stars also held a moment of silence before their Thursday game against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Cowboys are on a bye in Week 10.
Nov 9, 2025
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