ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 03: General view during the national anthem prior to a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium on November 03, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The NFL paid tribute to Marshawn Kneeland during “Thursday Night Football,” and that same sentiment will be spread to this weekend’s matchups.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL sent a memo to all teams on Friday requesting that a moment of silence be observed before Sunday’s games in memory of the Dallas Cowboys defensive end, who died by suicide following a police chase earlier this week.
After the moment of silence, a message will be read in every NFL stadium: “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.”
Earlier this season, some teams held a moment of silence for slain political organizer Charlie Kirk after the NFL said the decision would be left up to the teams and they weren’t being asked to do so. It’s also unclear if any teams will recognize former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died on Monday.
Moment of Silence Held During ‘Thursday Night Football’
The first NFL game since Kneeland’s death was Thursday between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos. A moment of silence was held in honor of Kneeland. The Cowboys are on their bye week.
Kneeland’s photo appeared on the scoreboard at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver as Broncos announcer Conor McGahey said, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Denver Broncos join the Dallas Cowboys and the entire NFL community in mourning Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically passed away this morning.”
“As we offer our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and teammates, please stand and join in a moment of silence to remember the life of Marshawn Kneeland.”
Dak Prescott Reacts to Marshawn Kneeland’s Death
Kneeland had teammates whose family members died by suicide, including Solomon Thomas, who lost a sister, and Dak Prescott, who lost a brother.
“It’s been a very tough day,” Prescott told CBS News Texas during a ceremony at his high school in Haughton, Louisiana.
“Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today. I hurt for Marshawn. I hurt for his family. I hurt for his girlfriend. I hurt for every single one of my teammates. It’s just a pain that you don’t wish upon anybody. You wish none of us had to go through this. You wish Marshawn didn’t have to go through what he went through. Just thankful for each moment we have in this life and don’t take it for granted.”
“It’s OK to feel however you’re feeling. And I’ll tell you, first and foremost, I don’t always have the answers. And today is not a day that I felt like I had answers. Triggering day for many reasons,” continued Prescott. “Hard to balance my emotions today.”
Prescott revealed that the Cowboys held a Zoom call on Thursday, giving the team a space to talk and express their emotions.
What Happened to Marshawn Kneeland?
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the 24-year-old Kneeland died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase. Authorities reported that DPS troopers pursued Kneeland on Wednesday night after he failed to stop for a traffic violation.
After temporarily losing sight of the vehicle, troopers later discovered it abandoned and apparently crashed. Kneeland’s body was found nearby in a porta-potty, according to police audio obtained by TMZ. His girlfriend, Catalina, reportedly told police that he was armed and had expressed intentions to “end it all.” The lineman also reportedly sent a “goodbye” text to his family.
The Cowboys won’t take the field again until Monday, Nov. 17, when they face the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Spencer Rattler Breaks Silence: “NFL Doesn’t Care About Your Pain — You Have to Play Anyway”
In an emotional revelation that’s shaking the NFL to its core, Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints has opened up about the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland, and his words are sending shockwaves across the league. Following the devastating news of Kneeland’s death, Rattler shared a brutally honest truth that no one saw coming — revealing the emotional struggle players face when the game demands they push aside personal pain.
Rattler, who briefly played alongside Kneeland during his time with the New Orleans Saints, called the loss of his former teammate “devastating” and a stark reminder of the unspoken pressure NFL players face. But it wasn’t just about the grief — it was about the expectation to perform no matter what:
“Everyone thinks the NFL is just about football. But the truth is, they don’t care what you’re feeling. They just expect you to show up and play. We’re told to shut off our emotions, but that’s not realistic. I feel like we’re not allowed to grieve the loss of a brother because we have to get ready for a game. That’s the cold reality of this league.”
A Wake-Up Call to Fans: “We’re Not Machines”
Rattler’s shocking admission sheds light on the emotional toll that NFL players endure, often sacrificing their own mental well-being for the sake of the game. As the
Saints prepare for their high-stakes Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Rattler revealed the challenge of balancing his grief with the pressure to perform at the highest level:
“We’ve got to put our feelings aside for the fans, for our coaches, and for our teammates. But losing someone like Marshawn—it’s like losing a brother. It’s not just a game. People don’t understand how much time we spend with each other, and now I have to focus on beating the Packers while mourning my friend. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
A Brotherhood in Crisis?
As the NFL grapples with the tragic loss of Kneeland, Rattler’s powerful words are raising serious questions about the emotional cost of playing professional football.
Is the NFL a family, or is it a brutal machine that demands players sacrifice everything — including their emotions — for the game? The death of Kneeland is only the latest in a long line of heart-wrenching moments that show just how much players endure off the field.