While the fundraiser may have started as a joke, it ultimately provided solace and a touchstone for Dowdle on what unexpectedly became a complicated and emotional day. News shook the NFL world early Thursday morning that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had passed away.
Kneeland and Dowdle played together in Dallas last season, and the news about his friend admittedly shook the running back.
"Yeah, and I want to say condolences to him," Dowdle said when broached with the subject. "Tough time, keep him in your prayers, his family in your prayers, the Cowboys organization, and just a tough time. Young kid, very spirited, and like I said, just keep him and his family in your prayers."
The veteran said he would be reaching out to his former Dallas teammates later in the afternoon as the group tried to make sense of the incomprehensible. For now, it was about remembering his friend.
"Definitely got to spend time with him," Dowdle said. "He was one of the guys I did talk to in the locker room, but like I said, it's a crazy time, just shocking hearing that. Death is not easy for anybody, but it's definitely shocking, just hearing the high-spirited, great person, guy, just smiling all the time, and a great teammate."