Cowboys Pay Tribute to Marshawn Kneeland in Victory Over Raiders
At Allegiant Stadium, after the 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer walked towards the exit carrying a special jersey. The jersey commemorated Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys’ defensive end who died on November 6, after a police chase.After a week of rest, the Cowboys gathered as a team and in smaller groups with grief counselors. A candlelight vigil was held on Tuesday in memory of Kneeland. Upon returning to practice on Thursday, some players expressed their relief at being back on the field. The goal was to honor Kneeland through his performance in the game.I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few tears when I put on this jersey for the first time, as you can imagine. But more than anything, I know Marshawn was watching us, and we wanted to make him proud. And I think we did.
Brian Schottenheimer
Dak Prescott wrote “One love”, one of Kneeland’s favorite phrases, on the tape of his wrist. From the fans’ banners to a moment of silence before the game, the reminders of Kneeland were constant. In addition to the jerseys, the Cowboys’ helmets wore a blue decal with Kneeland’s number 94. His game jersey was displayed in the locker room and was behind the defensive bench during the game. Upon arrival, defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton sported a replica jersey with Kneeland’s number 94. The Cowboys will wear the jerseys featuring Kneeland’s image again next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, although some may wear them for the rest of the season. The Raiders wore jerseys in pre-game warmups with the message “Call an Audible” on the front and “988” on the back, the number to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Obviously, going out tonight and playing with the style he played with, the intensity, the effort, the finish, I’m very proud of the guys. This doesn’t put a cap on it. We’re going to keep going, shining a light on Marshawn and carrying his legacy. And we have to play like this every week going forward. He’ll always be with us.
Dak Prescott
Prescott described the pre-game atmosphere as professional. Schottenheimer noted a familiar approach as the music played. On the field, the defense had one of its best performances, allowing only one touchdown and 236 yards. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was pressured on 16 of 49 pass attempts and suffered four sacks, being hit 18 times. Prescott’s four touchdown passes went to receivers CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and tight end Jake Ferguson. Flournoy, one of Kneeland’s closest friends, and his wife, along with Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, maintained a close friendship. The couples used to go on double dates.You have to play through the pain. It’s part of the game. Not this, per se, but playing through pain is something that is part of the game. Just being able to compartmentalize and take that pain and use it. I can’t say that anyone would understand, people who don’t play football, but if you’ve been through something like this, then you know how it feels. You have to keep going and keep going, just being able to repurpose that pain.
Osa Odighizuwa
Throughout the season, we will play for him. He was our teammate, our brother. Just keep going, keep playing. Just knowing that he is here with us. He is gone, but he is not gone. He is still with us.
Ryan Flournoy
