Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has spoken out after teammate Marshawn Kneeland‘s sudden death.
Prescott, 32, reacted to the “tragic loss” on Thursday, November 6, telling CBS Sports Texas, “It’s been a very tough day. [I found out] early this morning.”
The athlete went on to address Kneeland’s loved ones.
“I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today. I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family,” he said. “I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my teammates.”
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Prescott continued: “This is a pain 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.”
While paying tribute, Prescott acknowledged that it was a “triggering day for many reasons.” He also urged others not to take life for granted, adding, “Hug and love on those that you do.”
Kneeland’s family — including his father, Shawn, and siblings AJ, Shawn and Yahmya — confirmed his death at age 24 on Thursday.
“The Kneeland family can confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Marshawn Kneeland,” read a statement shared via Facebook. “We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.”
According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland died by suicide following a police chase in the early hours of Thursday morning. Authorities attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation, later finding his car crashed on the Dallas Parkway.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Days before his death, the defensive end scored his first career touchdown in the team’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement on Thursday. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
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Marshawn’s agent Jonathan Perzley issued a statement of his own honoring the late athlete.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
Perzley continued, “My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
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