After the NFL’s commissioner urged teams to pay tribute to the late Cowboys player, teams across the league held a moment of silence before Sunday’s games.
DALLAS — In the days after Marshawn Kneeland, a former defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died at age 24 from an apparent suicide, other NFL teams paid tribute to him.
In a memo, the NFL instructed teams to hold a moment of silence in honor of Kneeland and point fans toward the national suicide hotline if they, or anyone they know, is struggling with their mental health.
Kneeland died Thursday, Nov. 6, in Frisco from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was involved in a chase with state troopers, officials said.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources,” the NFL said in a statement shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ahead of Thursday Night Football, a moment of silence was held at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium before the Denver Broncos faced the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Cowboys have a bye week and will not play Sunday, but across the league, teams are expected to pay tribute to Kneeland as the league continues to mourn the promising young player.
Before the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts faced each other this morning in Berlin, Germany, a moment of silence was held along with a message urging those struggling to seek help through the National Suicide Hotline.
The message reads, “If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 2 -7 to help,” according to reporting from NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
More tributes are expected throughout the day. Twelve games, including the Berlin matchup between the Colts and the Falcons, will be played on Sunday.