The Dallas Cowboys are expected to hold multiple tributes in honor of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died last week.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Kneeland was involved in a high-speed chase with police officers before escaping and dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Due to the Cowboys being on their bye week when the incident took place, the team was unable to hold tributes for the defensive end.
However, Cowboys COO/co-owner Stephen Jones said the franchise is working alongside Kneeland’s family to determine the best ways to commemorate his time with the franchise.
Jones spoke about Kneeland’s death and the moment he received the phone call with the news, saying that it was “heartbreaking, tragic, and just the worst thing you can imagine.”
“Any time you get news like that, your heart just, obviously, it’s like a hole going through it,” he explained, per The Cowboys.
“You’re just heartbroken. Certainly hoping that that wasn’t the case… Woke up and was hoping it was a dream, but unfortunately it wasn’t.”
Although Jones did not elaborate on the details of the tributes, some information regarding the topic has been released.
The Cowboys will wear helmet decals for the remainder of the season to honor Kneeland, though no final design has been established at this time, and teammates are expected to have a say, according to ESPN.
Additionally, the team will wear dedicated t-shirts during warm-ups in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders and in Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, marking the first home matchup since Kneeland’s death.
These tributes come after the NFL sent out a memo requesting that every team in the league host a moment of silence to honor the late defensive end, with the league also stating that the following message would be displayed on jumbo trons: “If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 to help,” per Fox News.
While the Cowboys were unable to perform this tribute due to their bye week, the franchise will now be able to honor Kneeland before the matchup against the Raiders this weekend.