Eagles Trio Leave Practice to Attend Funeral of Late Cowboys Rising Star Marshawn Kneeland

The Philadelphia Eagles made a powerful, heartfelt gesture this week when three of their cornerstone players — Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown — stepped away from practice to travel to Frisco, Texas, for the funeral of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. The 24-year-old’s tragic and sudden passing has rippled through the NFL, binding players, coaches, and fans in shared sorrow for a young man whose quiet strength, humility, and relentless spirit left an indelible mark in just one season.

Head coach Nick Sirianni, revered for his emphasis on culture and family, gave his full blessing for the players to miss practice.

“Football will always be here,” Sirianni said. “But moments like this — showing up for a brother — this is what builds a legacy.”

He called Kneeland’s service “a sacred opportunity to honor what respect truly means,” reminding everyone that the game thrives not just on rivalry, but on shared sacrifice, love, and humanity.

A Story That Transcended Rivalries

Drafted in the second round by Dallas in 2024, Marshawn Kneeland quickly became known for his blue-collar grit, unyielding motor, and selfless character. His death at just 24 stunned the league, leaving even division rivals grappling with the fragility of life. For the Eagles trio, the loss hit close — they had long admired the fire he brought to every snap.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ stoic leader, spoke with rare emotion before the flight.

“We go to war every week, but beneath the helmets, we’re all connected,” he said. “Marshawn played with honor. He earned respect the hard way — through effort, consistency, and heart. That’s the standard we all live by.”

Running back Saquon Barkley, who knows what it means to carry a team through adversity, reflected on Kneeland’s intensity.

“You felt him on the field — even from the opposite sideline,” Barkley said. “That kind of passion? That’s rare. That’s what pushes the whole league forward.”

Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who met Kneeland at a rookie orientation event, offered a personal tribute.

“He was humble, locked in, and always had time for people,” Brown recalled. “Didn’t matter if you were a kid, a fan, or a vet — he treated everyone the same. That’s the mark of a real one.”

A Symbol of Unity

The Eagles announced they will wear black wristbands during Week 10 in honor of Kneeland — a quiet but profound act the team calls “respect in action.” It’s a reminder that beneath the fierce NFC East battles, the NFL remains one family — one that celebrates warriors and mourns them together when the lights go out too soon.

A Legacy That Lives On

As tributes flood in from across the league, Marshawn Kneeland’s spirit endures. He may have left the field far too early, but his humility, perseverance, and heart echo in every huddle, every snap, every act of brotherhood.

In a sport defined by competition, the Eagles’ presence at his funeral stands as a defining moment: Compassion and unity are the ultimate measures of greatness.