The Dallas Cowboys faced the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night with a somber spirit as they honored their late teammate, Marshawn Kneeland, during their first game since his tragic passing on November 6.
Players from the Cowboys donned shirts featuring Kneeland”s image and name, while his jersey was displayed in his locker. The Raiders also commemorated Kneeland with a moment of silence at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas before the kickoff.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer was seen wearing a tribute shirt as he prepared the team for the game. Cowboys players such as Bryan Anger, Kenny Clark, Sam Williams, Marist Liufau, along with linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi, participated in a moment of silence to honor their fallen teammate.
Last week, the Cowboys held a candlelight vigil at their practice facility. They returned to practice on Thursday as they geared up for the matchup against the Raiders, their first since Kneeland”s death.
Before the game, quarterback Dak Prescott took a moment for silent reflection while wearing a shirt that displayed Kneeland”s face along with the suicide hotline number. The front of the shirt read, “call an audible,” emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help.
As part of the tributes, the Cowboys gathered near the end zone to pray following their pregame warmup. The emotional atmosphere was palpable as players and fans alike remembered Kneeland.
On the field, the game started off with the Raiders scoring a field goal, quickly followed by the Cowboys tying the game with a field goal of their own. The Cowboys took the lead with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to CeeDee Lamb, establishing a 10-6 advantage early in the second quarter. By halftime, Dallas had extended its lead to 24-9.
The tributes to Marshawn Kneeland served as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on his teammates and the community. His memory will continue to be honored as the season progresses.
