🔥 Dallas Cowboys to Retire No. 94 Jersey in Emotional Tribute to Late Marshawn Kneeland
Arlington, TX — November 7, 2025
In a heartbreaking yet profoundly meaningful decision, the Dallas Cowboys have announced that they will retire jersey No. 94 to honor Marshawn Kneeland, the promising young defensive end who tragically passed away yesterday. The news of his sudden death sent shockwaves across the NFL, with players, coaches, and fans sharing heartfelt tributes, while thousands of Cowboys supporters called on the team to permanently retire his number — a lasting symbol of his energy, dedication, and passion for the game.
Kneeland, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Even in his rookie season, he quickly made a name for himself as one of the team’s brightest defensive talents, recording 4.5 sacks, 38 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles. His relentless drive, athleticism, and leadership on the field earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike, and it was clear that Kneeland was a rising star with the potential to carry forward the legacy of greats who previously wore No. 94, including Charles Haley and DeMarcus Ware.
The decision to retire his number is about more than just honoring a player — it is a statement of the values and history that jersey represents within the Cowboys organization: power, perseverance, pride, and excellence. In a statement released late Thursday, the team said:
“The No. 94 jersey will forever belong to Marshawn Kneeland. His passion, grit, and love for the game embodied everything it means to be a Dallas Cowboy. His spirit will live on in our locker room, our fans, and the star he proudly represented.”
The Cowboys plan to host a memorial ceremony at AT&T Stadium prior to their next home game, giving the organization and fans a chance to collectively honor Kneeland’s legacy. During the remainder of the season, players are expected to wear silver No. 94 patches on their jerseys as a tribute to his life and contributions to the team.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, visibly emotional, spoke about his late teammate:
“He wasn’t just a teammate — he was a light in the room. Marshawn gave everything, every single snap. We’ll play the rest of this season for him.”
Prescott’s words capture the essence of Kneeland’s impact: a player whose presence was felt on every play, whose energy elevated those around him, and whose dedication left a lasting impression both on and off the field.
Fans have flooded social media with messages celebrating Kneeland’s life, describing him as a force of nature on the defensive line, a leader in the locker room, and a role model for aspiring athletes. His tragic passing has united the Cowboys community in mourning, reflection, and remembrance, while also highlighting the broader human side of professional sports — the friendships, bonds, and shared journeys that define a team.
For the Dallas Cowboys organization, retiring No. 94 is both a symbolic and practical gesture: it ensures that Kneeland’s memory remains woven into the very fabric of the franchise, a permanent reminder of his contributions and the qualities he embodied. It’s a way to honor not only his athletic achievements but also his character, determination, and the joy he brought to teammates and fans alike.
As AT&T Stadium prepares to host the memorial ceremony, the team and its supporters will come together to celebrate a life cut too short but lived with intensity, heart, and purpose. Marshawn Kneeland’s number will no longer be worn, but his spirit, energy, and legacy will forever resonate in the halls of Dallas Cowboys history.
In the end, this is more than a retired jersey — it is a lasting tribute to a player who inspired a team, a city, and a nation, a reminder of what it truly means to be a Dallas Cowboy.
