Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott delivered an emotional message Thursday following the heartbreaking death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland. Prescott spoke with reporters, his voice heavy with grief and visibly emotional.
“I hurt, heavy heart today,” Prescott said. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend and I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody.” He further added, “Just thankful for each moment we have in this life, and don’t take it for granted, and hug and love on those that you do.”
Prescott knows loss deeply. His older brother, Jace, died by suicide in 2020, a tragedy that inspired Prescott to become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He often wears “Ask 4 Help” written on his wrist tape as a personal reminder and public message.
Kneeland, 24, died earlier this week from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, just days after celebrating his first NFL touchdown. The young defensive end had quickly earned a reputation for his energy and optimism in the locker room.
Prescott urged compassion and mental health awareness, reminding fans that athletes face real struggles behind the fame. Prescott’s words underlined a somber reality: even in the heat of competition, teammates are human, and loss hits hard.
