Marshawn Kneeland helmet decals: How Cowboys are honoring defensive end after tragic death
The Dallas Cowboys were struck by an unspeakable tragedy when defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died during the team's bye week, just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown.
A second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2024, Kneeland was a rotational pass-rusher who became increasingly important to the Cowboys’ defense after Micah Parsons was traded earlier this season.
Since his passing, many of Kneeland’s teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and kindness. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team is supporting one another as they navigate this difficult time.
"We’ve got an incredible locker room, that’s where the culture of what we’re trying to build," Schottenheimer told reporters after the Cowboys returned from their bye. "We are bonded more than any of us ever could have thought."
As the Cowboys return their focus to football with Kneeland in mind, here is a look at how they are honoring their late teammate.
MORE: What we know about Marshawn Kneeland's tragic death
Marshawn Kneeland helmet decals
The Cowboys are honoring Kneeland by wearing a helmet decal for the remainder of the season, according to ESPN. While the decal has not yet been revealed, "teammates will come up with the final design," Todd Archer reports.
In addition to the decals, Cowboys players will wear shirts honoring Kneeland before their Nov. 17 game against the Las Vegas Raiders and their Nov. 23 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, which will be the team’s first home game since the defensive end’s passing.
A video tribute will be shown at AT&T Stadium before the Nov. 23 game.
Kneeland was the first active NFL player to die since Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson was killed in a 2024 car crash just months after being drafted. Every NFL game in Week 10 featured a moment of silence in Kneeland’s memory before kickoff.
What happened to Marshawn Kneeland?
Kneeland was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the early morning hours of Nov. 6.
Police said they attempted to stop Kneeland's car for a traffic violation late that same night and were led on a pursuit before losing sight of his vehicle. After the pursuit was called off, police say, the car was found crashed and abandoned. Police searched the area and ultimately found Kneeland's body at 1:31 a.m. CT, about three hours after the pursuit started.
Plano police said they conducted a welfare check at Kneeland's home late that same night but did not make contact with anyone. The welfare check took place more than an hour after police attempted to stop Kneeland's vehicle and about two hours before his body was found. The Cowboys' director of security called police with concerns about Kneeland's wellbeing, which prompted the welfare check at Kneeland's residence.
TMZ reported Kneeland's girlfriend contacted authorities, telling police the Cowboys defensive end had a history of mental health issues, was armed and said he would "end it all." Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ reveals police were in contact with the NFL, which told authorities that Kneeland was "texting his family goodbye."
Marshawn Kneeland cause of death
Kneeland's death was ruled a suicide by gunshot. His body found by police nearly three hours after authorities first started pursuing his vehicle.
The NFL and NFL Players Association provided counselors to the Cowboys to help players deal with the news, though the team was on its bye week when the tragedy occurred.
Nick Sirianni Praises Eagles’ Defense After Dominant Performance Against High-Scoring Lions
Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni couldn’t hide his admiration for his defense following their remarkable performance against the Detroit Lions, a team known for its explosive offense. The Eagles’ defense held the Lions to just 9 points, a stunning feat considering their high-scoring reputation.
After the game, Sirianni took a moment in the locker room to express his gratitude and pride in his defensive unit. “That was a masterclass performance by our defense,” Sirianni said, his voice filled with pride. “They went out there and executed at an extremely high level. To hold a team like the Lions, with their potent offense, to just 9 points — that’s something special. I couldn’t be more proud of the effort they gave today.”
The Eagles’ defense was suffocating, with multiple key stops throughout the game. They intercepted Lions quarterback Jared Goff twice, pressured him relentlessly, and shut down the Lions’ high-powered run game. The defensive line was dominant, and the secondary locked down Detroit’s talented wide receivers, forcing them into uncomfortable situations all game long.
“I don’t think anyone expected us to limit them like that,” Sirianni continued. “But our defense is built to rise to the occasion. They showed today that they can be one of the best units in the league. They’ve worked incredibly hard, and it’s showing on the field.”
The defensive performance not only secured the victory but also sent a message to the rest of the NFL: the Eagles’ defense is a force to be reckoned with. With standout performances from players like Darius Slay, Javon Hargrave, and Fletcher Cox, the unit was firing on all cylinders, frustrating the Lions at every turn.
“As a coach, it’s incredibly gratifying to see the work we put in on defense translate into results like this,” Sirianni added. “They followed the game plan to perfection, and they executed with intensity. That’s the type of defense we want to be known for.”
With this dominant victory, Sirianni and the Eagles are making it clear that they are not just a strong offensive team, but a balanced powerhouse with a defense capable of taking down the league’s toughest opponents. The win is a testament to the hard work and determination of every player on that defensive unit.
