The Dallas Cowboys are reeling from tragedy after the sudden and heartbreaking death of Marshawn Kneeland, the 24-year-old defensive lineman who passed away just days after appearing on Monday Night Football. But as the team grieves, one Cowboys defensive back has taken to social media to call out fans for their “heartless” behavior.
In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), the unnamed DB — later confirmed to be Trevon Diggs — expressed anger and disbelief over the messages players have received since Kneeland’s passing.
“Some of y’all fans are straight-up heartless,” Diggs wrote. “We just lost a brother, and people are still talking about stats, fantasy points, and contracts. Show some respect. This is real life.”
His words quickly spread across the sports world, with thousands of fans and fellow athletes echoing his frustration. Several Cowboys players, including Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott, reposted the message with the hashtag #RespectMarshawn, calling for compassion and empathy amid the team’s grief.
According to reports, Kneeland was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an attempted traffic stop near the Dallas North Tollway. Police said he had texted family and friends with concerning messages before the incident, which has shaken the NFL community to its core.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about mental health in professional sports, particularly the emotional toll on young athletes dealing with fame, pressure, and expectations.
“We wear helmets and pads, but we’re still human,” said linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. “People forget that sometimes.”
Fans have responded with an outpouring of support since the backlash began, flooding the Cowboys’ social pages with messages of condolences and prayers for Kneeland’s family. The team is reportedly planning a moment of silence and tribute video at their next home game at AT&T Stadium.
Still, Diggs’ message stands as a sobering reminder that the NFL isn’t just about highlights and headlines — it’s about real people living through real pain.
“We’ll play for Marshawn,” Diggs added. “But we’ll also fight to make sure this never happens again.”
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