FRISCO, Texas — In a press conference marked by deep emotion, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer faced the media for the first time since the tragic passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. Schottenheimer, known for his usual upbeat demeanor, expressed his profound sorrow, stating, “I”m hurting.”
Kneeland, just 24 years old, took his own life following a police pursuit close to The Star in Frisco, where the Cowboys practice. Throughout the press conference, Schottenheimer struggled to hold back tears as he conveyed the heavy heart shared by the team. “So my heart is heavy, our team”s heart is heavy,” he remarked. “We don”t move on, but we do move forward.”
On the day of Kneeland”s death, the Cowboys organized a Zoom call for players and staff to express their love and support for him. Over the following days, the team engaged in meaningful conversations during meetings, including a lengthy breakfast with team leaders and a prayer vigil attended by many, including Kneeland”s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, who is pregnant.
As a coach who prides himself on being a people person, Schottenheimer found it challenging to speak during the 90-minute vigil. He admitted, “I literally wasn”t sure I could get through my part of last night speaking at his candlelight vigil.” He emphasized the importance of supporting one another during this difficult time, acknowledging that answers may remain elusive, saying, “We probably won”t have all of the answers. But you lean into one another, you love on one another.”
Assistance has come from Heather Twedell, the Cowboys” mental health and wellness consultant, as well as league counselors and a team from O2X Human Performance, which specializes in helping individuals cope with stress and grief. “There”s no playbook,” Schottenheimer noted. “The biggest thing for me is being strong for our football team. We got an incredible locker room, that”s where the culture of what we”re trying to build.”
The Cowboys are set to practice for their upcoming game against Las Vegas on November 17. In memory of Kneeland, the team will wear a helmet decal that is currently being designed. Additionally, players will don custom T-shirts for their next two games, and a video tribute along with a moment of silence will be held prior to the game against Philadelphia.
Schottenheimer revealed that Kneeland”s family and management have established a memorial fund to support Mancera, and the team is committed to assisting the family in any way possible. Moving on from this tragedy will undoubtedly be a challenge for the Cowboys, and Schottenheimer is still grappling with the loss. He shared how Kneeland often spoke of “one love,” a phrase that resonated with many.
“He had the most playful spirit of any young man I”ve been around,” Schottenheimer reflected. “His smile could take you to your knees.” The impact of Kneeland”s passing weighs heavily on the organization, particularly for those with children close to his age. Schottenheimer, who has two children, noted that he has been communicating with them more frequently since the tragedy.
Wednesday was not a typical day for Schottenheimer or the Cowboys, and it may take time before the organization finds its footing again. “We will move forward,” he stated. “The one benefit of playing on Monday night is we”ve been given a little more time to grieve. That grieving process is not over. There”s going to be things that affect us differently throughout the next couple weeks, but we understand our best way to honor Marshawn on the field is how we play. That”s something we get to control, and I think the guys are excited about that.”
