Logo

Cowboys Defensive End Did Not Participate Today After Donating Bl00d to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

Arlington, TX – The Dallas Cowboys opened practice this week missing one of their young defensive linemen, but his absence had nothing to do with football. Instead, it was about family, sacrifice, and a moment that transcended the game.

According to team sources, a second-year edge rusher was excused from drills after donating blood earlier this week to support his mother during a heart valve replacement surgery. The Cowboys listed him as

 

Did Not Participate, but emphasized that his priorities were exactly where they needed to be.

That player is Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end drafted in the second round (No. 56 overall) out of Western Michigan in 2024. In his second season, Kneeland has carved out a meaningful role in Dan Quinn’s rotation, showing flashes of the disruptive potential Dallas envisioned when they picked him.

Through the first four games of the 2025 season, Kneeland has logged 8 combined tackles (4 solo, 4 assists), along with 1.0 sack for 8 yards in Week 1 vs. the Eagles

 

. He’s also credited with 3 quarterback pressures, ranking fifth on the team behind Sam Williams (5), Dante Fowler (4), Osa Odighizuwa (4), and Kenny Clark (3), per team reports.

 

While he has yet to force a fumble or snag an interception, Kneeland’s consistent presence off the edge has been valuable for a defensive front still adjusting after major roster changes. His development remains a key storyline for Dallas in 2025.

 

Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke highly of the young defender’s choice: “What Marshawn did for his mother says everything about who he is. Football is important, but moments like these remind us what really matters. We support him fully.”

 

 

Cowboys fans, who have already praised Kneeland’s growth from promising rookie to steady contributor, responded with an outpouring of support on social media. For many, the gesture was another sign that he embodies the toughness and loyalty they expect in a Cowboy.

While his absence today was noted on the practice report, Kneeland is expected back soon. And when he returns, he’ll carry with him not just the hunger to pressure quarterbacks, but also the strength of a son who put family first.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Dak Prescott Becomes Part-Owner of Texas Rangers
The Dallas Cowboys’ franchise quarterback has just taken his Texas roots to an entirely new level. Dak Prescott, the face of America’s Team since 2016, has officially become a part-owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers.   The Rangers, founded in 1961 and World Series champions in 2023, are one of the most iconic franchises in Texas sports. Known for legends like Nolan Ryan and Adrian Beltre, the team is once again chasing postseason glory in 2025. Prescott’s arrival in the ownership group only strengthens their identity as Texas’ team.   Dak Prescott, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the most recognizable athletes in the NFL, has long been linked to Texas pride. His leadership for the Cowboys has not only brought stability under center, but also made him one of the league’s most marketable stars. Now, he is stepping into baseball, a sport he grew up watching in Louisiana and later embraced fully after moving to Texas. “This is about more than business,” Prescott said in a statement. “Texas has given me everything — my career, my opportunities, my platform. Being part of the Rangers means building something that will outlast my playing days. I want to see Texas sports reach every corner of America.”     Prescott follows the path of other NFL stars who’ve entered sports ownership while still playing. Patrick Mahomes became a co-owner of the Kansas City Royals, while Jalen Hurts recently joined the Philadelphia Phillies ownership group. Like them, Prescott is proving athletes can expand their legacy beyond the field. His decision comes at a time when the Rangers are balancing veteran leadership with rising young stars. Having an NFL superstar aligned with their brand brings an additional layer of cultural influence, likely boosting ticket sales, marketing, and fan engagement across Texas.   For Cowboys fans, it’s a moment of pride to see their quarterback extend his leadership into another sport. For Rangers fans, it’s validation that their franchise continues to attract big names and powerful voices who want to grow the game.   In the end, Dak Prescott’s move isn’t just about owning part of a baseball team. It’s about planting roots deeper into the heart of Texas, about legacy, and about ensuring that both Cowboys blue and Rangers red remain symbols of Texas excellence for generations to come.