Following the death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was emotional after the team’s 33–16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is interviewed by ESPN’s Lisa Salters following a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is interviewed by ESPN’s Lisa Salters following a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Prescott, who lost his own brother to suicide in 2020, spoke about the healing power of playing football and honoring Kneeland’s memory on the field.
Prescotttold ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the team’s victory that being on the field was a blessing and that playing was part of his healing process after the death of his teammate, Marshawn Kneeland.
Dak Prescott after Cowboys’ first game since losing teammate Marshawn Kneeland: “It was a blessing to be out here. This is where healing happens for me.” pic.twitter.com/9ruYz8vi9J
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) November 18, 2025
“I have no better peace than being on the field, I know this for a lot of guys out here,” Prescott said. “You have to think about a lot, you have to focus in. It was a blessing to be out here. This is where healing happens for me. We love Marshawn, we’ll continue to shine light for him. We’re blessed to carry his life for him.”
The team worked to honor Kneeland’s positive spirit and demeanor with every play.
Prescott mentioned that the game is about life and the brotherhood and friendships the players form, emphasizing the need to be there for one another.
In an earlier interview on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt, Prescott also spoke about the importance of being vulnerable to show courage.
Hetold Van Pelt, “It’s about being vulnerable. To show courage, you have to show some kind of weakness, or something that you need to overcome.”
“It’s about being vulnerable. To show courage, you have to show some kind of weakness.” ❤️
Dak Prescott talks to @notthefakeSVP after the Cowboys first win following Marshawn Kneeland’s death. pic.twitter.com/k8zTYb20d8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 18, 2025
Prescott stressed that the camaraderie within the team helped them navigate the grief of losing Marshawn Kneeland, highlighting that football is about more than just the sport.
“This game, it’s bigger. It’s about life and these connections that we’re making, the brotherhoods, the friendships. We have to be there for each other,” he added.
The quarterback has often spoken about mental health awareness, especially after his own brother’s suicide in 2020. The team used Kneeland’s positive spirit to help them process their grief and find strength to move forward.
Ryan Flournoy Honors Marshawn Kneeland With Powerful On Field Tribute
The moment rose far beyond the score. After a needed win for Dallas, Ryan Flournoy walked back onto the field with Marshawn Kneeland’s No. 99 jersey held high.
His hands were steady yet full of emotion. Teammates closed in around him, resting their hands on his shoulders, saying quiet prayers, and staring at the jersey as the stadium grew silent.
Fans watching at home felt the meaning right away, with many saying the gesture felt “bigger than football.”
The Cowboys had played with real heart all night, and the win became part of the tribute, one more honor for Kneeland.