Dak Prescott Speaks Out After Marshawn Kneeland’s Reported Cause of Death; What He Said and Fans’ Emotional Reaction

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has spoken out following the tragic reported cause of death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland. According to authorities in Texas, the 24-year-old defensive end died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing a routine traffic stop early Friday morning.

The heartbreaking loss has left teammates, fans, and the broader NFL community in mourning. Prescott, who learned of the news earlier that day, shared his emotions in an interview with CBS Sports Texas, calling it one of the hardest days of his career.

Prescott’s Emotional Statement on Marshawn Kneeland’s Death

“It’s been a very tough day,” Prescott said. “Tragic loss. I hurt — heavy, 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.”

The star quarterback continued, “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.”

Prescott, who has been open about his own experiences with mental health following the suicide of his brother Jace, urged others to show compassion and openness in moments of grief. “Be thankful for each moment we have in this life, and don’t take it for granted. Hug and love on those that you do. It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling,” he said.

He added, “I’ll tell you first and foremost, I don’t always have 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 today.”

Police Report Confirms Tragic Details

According to a Frisco Police Department news release, officers initiated a traffic stop before Kneeland fled the scene in his vehicle and then on foot. Authorities said they received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts. He was later found dead around 1:31 a.m. from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.

TMZ reported that Kneeland texted his family and girlfriend to say goodbye shortly before his death. His girlfriend immediately called 911, but help arrived too late. The young player, known for his dedication and promise on the field, had been part of the Cowboys’ defensive unit since his NFL debut earlier this year.

Team Mourning and NFL Community Response

Across social media, Cowboys fans, teammates, and players from around the league have shared tributes to Kneeland. Many have praised Prescott for his compassion and vulnerability in speaking out about mental health struggles and the emotional weight that players often carry behind the scenes.

“Tough moment for this team,” Prescott said. “I feel and hurt for everybody that’s involved in this and Marshawn’s family and loved ones.” The Cowboys organization has not yet released an official team statement but is reportedly providing grief counseling for players and staff.

Prescott’s heartfelt words have reignited calls for mental health awareness across the NFL — a reminder that the struggle can touch even those at the peak of success. As fans mourn the loss of Marshawn Kneeland, Prescott’s message of empathy and openness stands as a powerful call to support one another.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Marshawn Kneeland’s reported cause of death?

Authorities in Texas stated that Marshawn Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing a traffic stop early Friday morning.

Q2: What did Dak Prescott say about Marshawn Kneeland’s death?

Prescott called the news “a tragic loss” and said his heart was heavy for Kneeland, his family, and his teammates. He encouraged others to value life and express love openly.

Q3: How did police find Marshawn Kneeland?

Police reported locating Kneeland in a wooded area around 1:31 a.m., deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Q4: How is Dak Prescott connected to mental health advocacy?

Prescott lost his brother Jace to suicide and later founded a mental health initiative to promote awareness and open dialogue among athletes and fans.

Q5: How has the NFL community responded?

Players and fans across the league have expressed grief and solidarity, praising Prescott for speaking out and honoring Kneeland’s legacy.