Marshawn Kneeland’s Family Speaks After Tragic Death: ‘We Are Devastated,’ As Tributes Continue to Pour In
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Marshawn Kneeland
The sports world is reeling after the sudden and tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. The 24-year-old athlete died from a likely self-inflicted gunshot wound on Wednesday, just two days after scoring his first NFL touchdown on “Monday Night Football.”
Family Issues Emotional Statement on Marshawn Kneeland’s Death
Marshawn’s relative, Nicole Kneeland-Woods, shared a powerful statement on behalf of the Kneeland family via Facebook on Thursday, November 6.
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” Nicole wrote. “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.”
Nicole continued, “He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
She concluded the post by thanking fans and the football community for their love and support. “During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
Authorities said Kneeland died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police pursuit north of Dallas. According to a statement shared with People, the Grand Rapids, Michigan, native crashed his vehicle in Frisco, just minutes from the Cowboys’ headquarters. Troopers later found him near the wreck in the early hours of November 6.
Cowboys, Teammates, and NFL Community Pay Tribute
The Dallas Cowboys confirmed Kneeland’s death Thursday morning, writing, “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization.”
“Tragic loss, I hurt, heavy heavy heart today,” Cowboys QB Dak Prescott told reporters later that day. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my teammates.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the
Former Cowboys defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence, now with the Seattle Seahawks, also shared his grief: “It’s tough to lose a brother in a situation like this. So, I want to send my condolences, my love, and my prayers.”
Running back Rico Dowdle, currently with the Carolina Panthers, added, “Definitely shocking. Death is not easy for anyone. Keep him and the Cowboys organization in your prayers.”
NFL legend and CBS analyst JJ Watt also weighed in,
Jets Avoid Serious QB Injury Scare Before Browns Game
There won’t be any quarterback injury drama this week for the New York Jets.
Gang Green revealed the final injury report ahead of the Week 10 Cleveland Browns clash. Tyrod Taylor didn’t receive an injury designation after being a full participant in practice all week.
In other words, he is cleared for takeoff. Taylor hurt his surgically repaired knee during the Week 7 contest against the Carolina Panthers. That injury forced him to miss the Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bullet Dodged for the Jets
In Week 7, Justin Fields played so poorly that head coach Aaron Glenn benched him at halftime for Taylor.
Heading into Week 8, all signs pointed to Taylor taking over as the starting quarterback. However, Taylor’s knee injury was more serious than the team let on; he got ruled out and didn’t make the trip, and they were forced to go back to Fields.
It worked out just the way they drew it up.
Fields had one of his best games of the season and delivered the Jets their first win of the year.
The former Ohio State product went 21-of-32 for 244 passing yards and threw a passing touchdown, and didn’t turn the ball over.
During the bye week, the Jets worked out multiple veteran quarterbacks. That raised eyebrows on social media. Was this just due diligence? Or was that a sign that Taylor could miss more time?
Apparently, it was just due diligence, because Taylor got a clean bill of health from the Jets’ medical people.
QB Decision Is up to Aaron Glenn
In Week 8, Coach Glenn didn’t have to make a QB decision — it was made for him. Taylor wasn’t available, so he had no other choice but to turn back to Fields.
In Week 10, that isn’t the case. Taylor and Fields are both healthy and ready to go. So, who will start at quarterback on Sunday?
“We will have a quarterback,” head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Friday, November 7. “We will have a quarterback.”
A media member asked if Coach Glenn would like to reach a point this season where he has a set quarterback, and thus that question doesn’t have to linger on a week-to-week basis.
“Well, the thing is that I don’t worry about those things. Our guys know who is going to be the quarterback, I know who is going to be the quarterback, it’s just not my responsibility to have to tell you that,” Coach Glenn explained.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini said on social media, “Obviously, Fields is expected to get the nod.”
Let’s Get Real About This Supposed ‘QB Drama’
Coach Glenn’s refusal to name his starting quarterback publicly has created quite a stir on social media.
“The thing about the Aaron Glenn QB press conferences is that Glenn could just confirm Fields is starting, like a professional,” Andrew Marchand of The Athletic responded on X previously Twitter.
“Reporters ask questions that may be obvious because it’s not correct to assume anything. So you ask who the QB will be. At the end of the day it’s always W-L, but Glenn made a mundane Zoom a little spectacle and he could’ve just been professional,” Marchand added.
The thing about the Aaron Glenn QB press conferences is that Glenn could just confirm Fields is starting, like a professional
If Coach Glenn thinks he gets any sort of tactical advantage from not announcing who his starting quarterback is — God bless.
Not sure why it creates such a fuss online. Glenn certainly isn’t the first coach to play games with the media, and spoiler alert, he won’t be the last.
This feels like a much ado about nothing scenario.
