When Brian Schottenheimer stepped to the podium at AT&T Stadium on Monday, November 18, 2025, his voice was raw—not just from yelling play calls, but from grief. The Dallas Cowboys had just survived a 40-37 overtime thriller against the New York Giants, securing Schottenheimer’s first win as head coach. But no one in the room was celebrating for the scoreboard. They were remembering Marshawn Kneeland, the 25-year-old defensive lineman who died suddenly after playing in the team’s previous game. "We will honor Marawn with how we play," Schottenheimer said, his words hanging in the air like a prayer. "Not just against the Raiders, but for the rest of the season."
One Last Touchdown
Schottenheimer didn’t just speak in platitudes. He recalled the exact moment Kneeland made his final impact: a 12-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 10. "I probably go back to, you know, his touchdown the other night," he said, voice cracking slightly. "Just the excitement on his face. It was a huge part in that game for us. Gave us a potential for a momentum swing." Kneeland, a fourth-year pro who signed as an undrafted free agent out of University of Minnesota, had been quietly emerging as a rotational force—14 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in his first eight games. His death, ruled a sudden cardiac event by the medical examiner, sent shockwaves through a locker room already reeling from injuries and a 0-1 start.The Weight of a Must-Win
The win over the Giants wasn’t just a morale boost—it was a lifeline. A loss would’ve made the Cowboys 0-2 for the first time since 2010, putting them in a deep hole in the NFC East. Instead, Brandon Aubrey drilled a 46-yard field goal as time expired in overtime, capping a performance that included a 64-yarder at the end of regulation—the longest game-tying kick in franchise history. Quarterback Russell Wilson, whom Schottenheimer coached in Seattle from 2018 to 2020, threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns. "It was a must-win," said Dak Prescott, who watched from the sidelines recovering from a torn ACL. "But it felt like more than that. Like we were playing for him."Grief in the Locker Room
Schottenheimer, who took over as head coach on January 24, 2025, after two seasons as offensive coordinator, admitted the emotional toll was heavier than any X’s and O’s playbook. "Some guys getting out on the grass is going to be painful," he said. "And that’s okay. We’re going to give each other grace and time." Players have been seen huddling in the end zone after drills, touching Kneeland’s locker, leaving gloves and notes. The team has delayed film sessions by 20 minutes each day to allow space for quiet reflection. "You try not to think about them," Schottenheimer added. "But when you’re having very open and authentic conversations with these guys, the pain is real. The questions are real."Timing, Grief, and the Road Ahead
The Cowboys’ next game—against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, November 24—isn’t just a scheduling quirk. It’s a gift. "The one benefit of playing on Monday night is we’ve been given a little bit more time to grieve," Schottenheimer explained. "That grieving process is not over. There’s going to be things that affect us differently throughout the next couple weeks." The team will wear a #93 patch on their jerseys, and Kneeland’s name will be etched into the sideline bench. Schottenheimer, who drank "a couple of Schottys"—his signature vodka-and-lemon cocktail—after the Giants game to quiet his nerves, said he’d be fine by Monday. "We’re going to be in a situation where we’re in overtime or we’re down and we give up a big play," he said. "So you draw strength from that."Behind the Scenes: A Coach’s Journey
Schottenheimer, born October 16, 1973, has spent nearly two decades as an assistant coach across the NFL and college ranks. His promotion was unexpected—he wasn’t the initial favorite, but his relationship with Prescott and his offensive creativity won over ownership. His 2024 offense, hampered by Prescott’s injury, ranked 22nd in yards and 24th in points. This year, with Wilson under center, the unit has surged. But none of that matters right now. "I’ve been blessed to impact these young men," he told his staff. "And now, we’re being asked to help them carry something heavier than a playbook."The Legacy of a Quiet Giant
Kneeland wasn’t a star. He didn’t have a social media following. But his teammates remember him for his laugh, his pre-game rituals—always the last one to leave the locker room, always checking on rookies—and the way he’d grab a teammate’s arm after a bad play and say, "We got you." His parents, from Minneapolis, have requested no public memorial, only that the team continue playing with heart. "He loved this game," his father told reporters. "If he could choose, he’d want you to keep going."Frequently Asked Questions
How did Marshawn Kneeland die, and was it related to his football career?
Marshawn Kneeland’s death was ruled a sudden cardiac event by the medical examiner. There is no indication it was caused by on-field trauma or chronic injury. He had no known history of heart conditions, and his pre-season physicals were clear. The NFL has since urged all teams to review cardiac screening protocols, especially for younger linemen who often carry high body mass.
What’s the significance of the Cowboys playing the Raiders next?
The Monday night scheduling gives the team extra time to process Kneeland’s death before facing a physical, playoff-contending Raiders team. It’s also symbolic: the Raiders, known for their gritty, blue-collar identity, are a fitting opponent for a team honoring a player who embodied resilience. Schottenheimer called it "a test of character," not just football.
How is the Cowboys organization supporting the players emotionally?
The team has brought in multiple licensed therapists and chaplains, offering one-on-one sessions and group counseling. Players are allowed to skip meetings without penalty. The organization also created a private memorial space near the locker room, stocked with photos and personal items from Kneeland’s locker. Team chaplain Rev. David Tran has led daily prayer circles since the news broke.
Will Marshawn Kneeland’s number be retired?
The Cowboys have not announced a retirement of #93, but they have committed to honoring Kneeland indefinitely. His name will appear on the team’s Wall of Honor in 2026, and a scholarship in his name will be established at the University of Minnesota. The team has also pledged to donate $100,000 to the American Heart Association in his memory.
How has Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching changed since becoming head coach?
Schottenheimer has shifted from a strictly scheme-focused approach to one that prioritizes emotional intelligence. He now begins meetings with a "check-in" instead of a play call. He’s also given assistants more autonomy to handle player welfare, recognizing that grief doesn’t follow a playbook. His first win wasn’t about the 450 yards—it was about players showing up, even when their hearts were breaking.
What’s next for the Cowboys’ season?
The Cowboys are now 1-2 after their win over the Giants, still trailing in the NFC East. But with Russell Wilson playing at a Pro Bowl level and the defense showing flashes of toughness, they’re no longer out of contention. Their next four games—Raiders, Buccaneers, Commanders, and 49ers—will define whether they can turn grief into momentum. "We’re not done," Schottenheimer said. "And Marawn wouldn’t want us to be."
