Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer has opened up for the first time about the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland last week.
Due to the Cowboys being on a bye in Week 10, Schottenheimer had not provided comments about the death prior to this discussion.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Kneeland was involved in a high-speed chase with police officers last week before escaping and later dying due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“My heart is heavy. Our team’s heart is heavy. We don’t move on, but we do move forward,” said Schottenheimer, adding that “there’s no playbook” for something like this, per The Cowboys.
Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of remaining strong for the players on the team, noting that the bond within the franchise is essential during such a difficult time.
“The biggest thing for me is being strong for our football team. We’ve got an incredible locker room, that’s the culture of what we’re trying to build. We are bonded more than any of us ever could be,” he explained, according to The Cowboys.
Schottenheimer also addressed the additional support that the team is working on for Kneeland’s family, saying that the franchise wants to make sure Kneeland’s girlfriend and unborn child are “taken care of for the rest of their lives,” per The Cowboys.
Anyone wishing to donate to Kneeland’s family can do so through the “Marshawn Kneeland Fund” available here.
The Cowboys are also planning multiple tributes for the late defensive end, including the team wearing helmet decals for the remainder of the season and specialized shirts for the next two weeks, as previously reported by DX.
Schottenheimer later added that every person within the organization has the right to handle the loss differently, and the team will ensure that Kneeland is also honored with strong performances on the field.
“Everybody deals with it different. Some guys, getting out on the grass is going to be the best thing in the world for them. Some guys, getting out on the grass is gonna be painful, and that’s okay,” he explained, as stated by The Cowboys..
“We’re going to give each other grace and time, but I do promise you this: These guys will be ready to play against the Raiders. And we will honor Marshawn with how we play, not just against the Raiders, but for the rest of the season.”