In a deeply moving moment during one of the NFL's biggest stages, global music superstar Post Malone paused his high-energy Thanksgiving halftime performance to honor the memory of Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide earlier this month.
A Heartfelt Tribute During Thanksgiving Festivities
The singer, a lifelong Cowboys fan, was the featured performer during the Thanksgiving Day game where Dallas hosted Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. After performing his hit song I Had Some Help during a seven-minute set, Malone took a moment to address the holiday crowd at AT&T Stadium.
"We love you, 94. We love you," the emotional singer declared before taking a bow and exiting the stage. The number 94 referenced Kneeland's jersey number, and Malone also wore a large blue pin on his jacket featuring the late player's number in white.
Personal Connections and Lasting Tributes
The tribute held special significance given Malone's deep personal connections to the Cowboys organization. His father previously worked in concessions for the team, and a young Malone would sometimes sleep at the stadium while his parents worked. Following the game, the singer was spotted playing catch on the field after the stadium had cleared out, embracing the arena he grew up in.
Kneeland's death on November 6 came after police responded to what they described as "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound" following a police pursuit in Frisco, Texas. In the days following the tragedy, it was revealed that his partner, Catalina Mancera, is pregnant with their first child—a boy.
Cowboys Continue Memorial Efforts
The Cowboys organization has implemented multiple ways to honor Kneeland's memory since his passing. Players have worn shirts bearing his name and face, and the team held a moment of silence before their recent home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that the team has established the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, created to provide financial support for Catalina and the couple's unborn child. The team's emotional response continued on the field, where they secured a 31-28 victory over the Chiefs—their third consecutive win since Kneeland's death.
The victory improved Dallas' record to 6-5-1, keeping their playoff hopes alive as they likely need to win their remaining five games to secure a postseason berth. The Chiefs fell to 6-6, facing their own challenging path to the playoffs despite appearing in five of the past six Super Bowls.
