Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died this week at age 24. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

NFL makes request to all teams in honor of Marshawn Kneeland

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 8:27 PM ET

The NFL wants every team to honor the memory of the late Marshawn Kneeland.

News of Kneeland’s death stunned the NFL world earlier this week. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement on Thursday that the Dallas Cowboys defensive end had died by suicide through a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Kneeland was 24.

The NFL has reportedly asked every NFL team to make a small, but potentially powerful gesture in honor of Kneeland during their pregame ceremonies this week. Every game held on Sunday and Monday will hold a moment of silence for Kneeland, followed by a leaguewide message read in every 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,” the statement will read.

The NFL sent a memo to all teams Friday, asking them to hold a moment of silence Sunday as part of the pre-game ceremonies in memory of the late Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.

The moment of silence will be followed by a message read in all NFL stadiums that says, If… pic.twitter.com/K3UYMudDhL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2025

The Denver Broncos were the first to honor Kneeland during their “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The teams held a moment of silence before kickoff and flashed the image of the Cowboys youngster on the Jumbotron inside Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

A moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland. pic.twitter.com/2lgv8Sk2mw
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2025

The Cowboys picked Kneeland in the second round of last year’s draft. The Western Michigan alum tallied a sack and 26 combined tackles across his two seasons with Dallas.

If you are in the United States and you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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