As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to play their Week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, they are doing so with heavy hearts.
Defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland was found dead on Nov. 6 from a self-inflicted gun shot wound, just days after the Cowboys’ Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals. After the team went on its bye week, the Cowboys return to the field this Monday night against the Raiders in their first game since the incident.
Dallas has decided to honor Kneeland in different ways ahead of their game in Las Vegas. Here’s how Dallas is remembering Kneeland.
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This game marks the first game for the Cowboys since defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died on Nov. 6. Therefore, Dallas is honoring their former player in multiple ways ahead of Monday night’s game against the Raiders.
First, the Cowboys kept Kneeland’s locker in tact, with the defensive lineman’s jersey hanging in its usual place.
94 forever pic.twitter.com/59IcQOLJbv
Additionally, the Cowboys produced pre-game t-shirts with Kneeland’s face printed on them for the players to wear during warmups.
One Love pic.twitter.com/yQcJYJo9ib
Dak Prescott praying on the field in Vegas wearing the Marshawn Kneeland tribute T-shirt pic.twitter.com/Yu2d24WlEY
During the rest of their games this year, the Cowboys will be wearing decals on their helmets featuring Kneeland’s No. 94.
This is the number 94 decal sticker. The #Cowboys will wear on their helmet in honor of the late Marshawn Kneeland the rest of the season.
@NBCDFWSports pic.twitter.com/BlVw0ZmDWz
Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who was Kneeland’s position coach for two years, wore Kneeland’s jersey to the stadium as the Cowboys arrived at Allegiant Stadium.
Cowboys DL coach Aaron Whitecotton donning the Marshawn Kneeland jersey pic.twitter.com/Dm171Qtof2
During the game, quarterback Dak Prescott is wearing a wristband with the words “ONE LOVE RIP 94!” written on it.
Dak Prescott’s wristband tonight honors Marshawn Kneeland
“One Love RIP 94!” pic.twitter.com/UHL8G1H1JT
After the Cowboys won they game, wide receiver Ryan Flournoy held up Kneeland’s jersey for the crowd to see.
pic.twitter.com/fmLb7EqFQ1
And while walking off the field, head coach Brian Schottenheimer pointed to Kneeland on his shirt to show everybody what inspired the win.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer pointing to his Marshawn Kneeland t-shirt leaving the field in Vegas with a win for 94 @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/EeBjrBmAbr
Schottenheimer also told the media how playing for Kneeland “galvanized” the team.
“They wanted to honor him, and we’re not done honoring him,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s a part of our family forever.”
“It’s galvanized us, forever.”
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer speaks on winning on Monday Night Football in tribute to Marshawn Kneeland.
: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today pic.twitter.com/90bwWXJjBt
The Cowboys will continue to honor Kneeland through the season, especially in their home game against the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
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Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.