Huddle 94: 12 Months of Player-Led Support After Kneeland Death

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said Thursday that the team's new mental health initiative may have provided a resource for Marshawn Kneeland in the year before his death. The program, named Huddle 94 after the late linebacker's jersey number, was created to facilitate player-led roundtable discussions. These sessions aim to address stressors on and off the field and strengthen the bonds within the roster.

The initiative launched following Kneeland's death on Nov. 6, 2025. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a car chase with police. During the pursuit, officers received information indicating he had expressed suicidal ideations. His girlfriend told law enforcement that he was armed and had a history of mental illness, citing dispatch audio.

Kneeland played his final game on the day of his death. He returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys entered that week on their bye. After learning of his death, the team held a videoconference call. Prescott described the day as tough, noting his own personal connection to the issue as his older brother Jace died by suicide in 2020.

Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas spoke to the team during that initial call. Thomas, who lost his sister Ella to suicide in 2018, started The Defensive Line foundation to prevent youth suicide. His words provided immediate support to the group. Prescott said Thomas was vital in that moment, offering perspective to a team processing a sudden loss.

The Cowboys worked with Dr. Heather Twedell, the team's mental health clinician, to provide counseling for players. They held a vigil at The Star. For the remainder of the season, Osa Odighizuwa carried a flag with the number 94 onto the field. The team also displayed Kneeland's jersey near the bench. The organization and players made donations to support Kneeland's unborn child.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb noted that mental health is often overlooked in professional sports. He said players are frequently viewed as icons rather than people. Lamb, who had never lost a teammate before Kneeland, emphasized the ongoing grief of Kneeland's family. "We got to keep him in our prayers," Lamb said. "We do everything we can just to kind of honor him."

The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation purchased equipment for the football team at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, in Kneeland's memory. This gesture highlighted the personal impact of the loss on the front office. The foundation's involvement underscored the team's commitment to honoring his legacy beyond the field.

Prescott said the Huddle 94 program allows players to meet in smaller groups to discuss life and stress. He believes these conversations could have helped Kneeland prevent his death. "If it was something that we had, may have helped Marshawn," Prescott said. The program complements existing mental health resources by focusing on peer connection and open dialogue.

Prescott visits the field daily to remember Kneeland. He ends his pre-game prayer by asking for the ability to play for those who can no longer participate. "Life's delicate, and we should never take these moments.. for granted," Prescott said. He urged players to be thankful and to express their love to the people around them.