The Dallas Cowboys played with heavy hearts on Monday night in their first game following the tragic passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. A win doesn't even begin to heal the pain of a fallen teammate, but the Cowboys did everything they could to honor Kneeland in their return to the football field, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders by a final score of 33-16.
The Cowboys hung Kneeland's No. 94 jersey behind their bench during the game. The entire team, coaching staff included, wore tribute t-shirts during warm-ups. Several players, including Ryan Flournoy and Osa Odighizuwa, were seen holding Kneeland's jersey up after the win.
Appearing on the ESPN postgame show with Scott Van Pelt, Dak Prescott opened up about persevering through the tragedy.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott opened up about playing through the Marshawn Kneeland tragedy
"It's not about showing weakness. It's about being vulnerable," Prescott said. "To show courage, you have to show some kind of weakness. It was a time for us to gather together, understand that this game is bigger. It's about life and the connections that we're making, the friendships, the brotherhood. We've got to be there for each other, regardless -- on the field, off the field. Marshawn was such a kind, loving, and sweet soul that it hurt everybody. But we're able to face that grief and use it as a strength to move forward."
Prescott also caught up with ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game and said that getting back to football is "where I have peace" and "where I heal." Brian Schottenheimer echoed that sentiment as the Cowboys returned to the practice field last week.
Prescott had "One love" written on his wrist tape for the game. Those are two words that Kneeland loved to say.
The 32-year-old quarterback told the Dallas media afterwards that the team will "continue to move forward, shine a light on Marshawn, carry his legacy, and we need to play like this moving forward. "
As Prescott said, the Cowboys will continue to honor Kneeland over the final seven games of the season. They play next this Sunday at home against the Philadelphia Eagles at 3:25 CT.