Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke of his grief. death of Dallas defenseman Marshawn Niland last week.
Niland, who was a sophomore with the Cowboys, was 24 at the time of his death.
“He was unique in his passion for life, and he was unique in his passion for the game,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday. “Obviously the saddest thing for someone like me is the fact that he's only 24 years old. You always think we're going to miss him and the people around him are going to miss him. He was just getting started.”
Police say Niland committed suicide, and Jones said he hopes the tragedy will help raise awareness about mental health.
“His death is so important to the entire country that it takes on some light as we think about how we move forward,” Jones said.
Dallas has not played since Niland's death due to the bye week. They return to action next Monday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cowboys players will wear jerseys and helmet decals in honor of Niland.
“From a team standpoint and getting back to work, I have no doubt they will do this to honor what he does,” Jones said.
Jones added: “I think we all have overwhelming feelings for the people we love, the people we work with, and it's just a time when you accept that there are no answers. It makes you want to live life to the fullest. It makes you want to look for the best in what we have for each other. And in some way, find meaning in those times in terms of what they can mean in helping those who are here on Earth right now.”
Niland played in 11 games in his rookie season but played a more prominent role in 2025. He scored his first career touchdown. in his final game for the Cowboys after returning a blocked punt in the end zone.
