Football Resumes, but Hearts Still Heavy

The Dallas Cowboys are back on the field, but the shadow of loss looms large. The team is trying to balance their grief with the demands of the game.

A Quarterback's Reflection

Dak Prescott, the quarterback, mentioned how he thought about Marshawn Kneeland, the defensive lineman who recently passed away, during practice. He channeled his emotions into his performance, pushing himself harder to honor Kneeland's memory.

"I thought about Marshawn a lot during practice. I wanted to make sure I was giving it my all, for him."

A Tragic Loss

The team's return to practice came exactly a week after the tragic news. Kneeland, just 24 years old, was found dead after a high-speed chase. The Cowboys are now focusing on their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The locker room, usually bustling with reporters, was closed off, showing the team's need for privacy and space to grieve.

A Defensive Lineman's Perspective

Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman, shared his own experiences with loss. His sister, Ella, died by suicide at the same age as Kneeland. Thomas emphasized the importance of living for those who are no longer here, carrying their memories forward.

"We have to live for those who can't. We have to carry their memories with us."

Prescott also spoke about the healing power of being together as a team, especially after losing his own brother to suicide in 2020.

Coach's Support

Coach Brian Schottenheimer maintained his usual routine, interacting with players and keeping the atmosphere as normal as possible. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but stressed the importance of staying true to himself and supporting his team.

"We're all in this together. We have to support each other and stay true to who we are."

Processing Emotions

The players are still processing their emotions, with some moments hitting harder than others.

Osa Odighizuwa, a defensive tackle, admitted that the reality of Kneeland's death is still sinking in. He mentioned seeing glimpses of Kneeland around the locker room, a reminder of the void left behind.

"It's still hard to believe. I see him everywhere in the locker room. It's a constant reminder."

The team is trying to find a balance between honoring their teammate and focusing on the game, knowing that their performance is now intertwined with their grief.