Cowboys Laud Huddle 94 Mental Health Program on Anniversary of Marshawn Kneeland’s Death

Friday marks one year since Marshawn Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit on Nov. 6, 2025.

Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Nov. 6, 2025. In his final NFL appearance, Kneeland returned a blocked punt for a touchdown during a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Following a police pursuit and vehicle crash that lasted nearly three hours, law enforcement confirmed Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations before his death.

The Cowboys organization established the Huddle 94 program, named after Kneeland’s jersey number, to facilitate player-led roundtable discussions regarding off-field stressors and mental health challenges. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who lost his brother Jace to suicide in 2020, noted that defensive lineman Solomon Thomas provided vital support during the initial team videoconference following the tragedy. Thomas previously founded The Defensive Line to promote mental health awareness after his sister's death in 2018.

Support efforts for Kneeland’s family included donations from coaches and players for his then-unborn child. The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation also purchased football equipment for Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, in his memory. During the 2025 season, Osa Odighizuwa honored the late player by carrying a No. 94 flag onto the field and displaying Kneeland's jersey on the bench. Dr. Heather Twedell, the team’s mental health clinician, continues to provide counseling resources to complement the Huddle 94 initiative.