The China Mail - NFL Cowboys mourn death of defensive end Kneeland at 24

Kneeland, in his second season with the Cowboys, scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt on Monday in a loss to Arizona.

The Frisco Police Department in suburban Dallas said Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life after he was involved in a vehicle pursuit and a multi-agency search on Wednesday night.

The Cowboys, who have a bye this week on the NFL schedule before returning to competition November 17 at Las Vegas, had a team video call in the wake of Kneeland's death.

Prescott learned of his passing hours before he took part in a field dedication ceremony for him at Haughton High School in Louisiana, where he played as a youth.

"It has been a very tough day," Prescott told KTVT after the ceremony. "It started early this morning, finding out the news.

"Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy heart today. I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my teammates.

"This is a pain that you don't wish upon anybody. You wish none of us had to go through this. You wish Marshawn didn't have to go through what he went through. Just thankful for each moment we have in this life, and don't take it for granted, hug and love on those that you do."

Prescott, the 2022 NFL Man of the Year award winner, has worked to help colon cancer research and mental health initiatives after facing suicide and cancer in his own family.

"It's okay to feel however you're feeling," Prescott said. "I don't always have all the answers. And today is not a day that I felt like I had answers. Triggering day for many reasons... hard to balance my emotions and not a day that I have words other than I love you for friends and families and people who may be struggling."

- 'Tough moment' -

Prescott said he told teammates that he loved them during the video call.

"Few people that spoke did an amazing job, but as I said, it's tell that person how I feel about them when I see them," Prescott said.

"Tough moment for this team. I feel and hurt for everybody that's involved in this and Marshawn's family and loved ones."

Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, whose foundation combats youth suicide, posted a message to Kneeland on Instagram.

"Brother Marshawn, I love you," Thomas wrote. "I wish you knew it was going to be okay. I wish you knew the pain wouldn't last and how loved you are. I wish you knew how bad we wanted you to stay. My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirit up every day."

Fellow defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa posted, "Rest in peace brother, we love you... so much love and respect for you brother."

O.Yip--ThChM