STWF Sports|LAS VEGAS|Nov. 17, 2025  — On a night filled with emotion, tribute, and resolve, Dak Prescott delivered one of the most heartfelt postgame messages of his NFL career — until technical issues brought his live ESPN interview to an abrupt halt. Moments after leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 33–16 Monday Night Football victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Prescott opened up about the team’s grief following the death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland. But the quarterback’s moving comments were suddenly silenced when his audio cut out on SportsCenter, forcing Scott Van Pelt to issue an on-air apology.

Prescott, who finished 25-of-33 for 268 yards and four touchdowns, played with an unmistakable edge and focus. His 138.6 passer rating was one of his best performances of the season as the Cowboys climbed to 4–5–1. But statistics were secondary on this night. It was Dallas’ first game since Kneeland’s death on November 6, and the organization spent the evening honoring the young defensive lineman with a series of powerful gestures.

A Night of Tribute

Kneeland’s No. 94 appeared on every Cowboys helmet, enclosed inside a blue memorial circle. During warmups, players wore shirts featuring his image — a reminder that their teammate’s presence remained with them. Throughout the game, Kneeland’s jersey hung behind the Dallas bench, and in the final minutes, wide receiver Ryan Flournoy lifted it high, a symbolic moment that resonated deeply across Allegiant Stadium.

Prescott’s leadership has always extended beyond the field, and when he joined Van Pelt for his postgame interview, he appeared ready to speak openly about navigating grief in the midst of competition.

Prescott’s Words Cut Short

“Can you quiet the emotions when it’s required?” Van Pelt asked, noting the quarterback’s masterful performance despite the emotional weight he carried.

“1000 percent,” Prescott responded. “It’s about counteracting it. I said, ‘You’re going to think about Marshawn, you’re going to have those moments tonight.’ It’s about counteracting it. You know, you control your mind, you control your thoughts.”

Just as he began to elaborate, Prescott’s microphone suddenly failed. His voice disappeared, replaced by crowd noise in the background. ESPN’s camera cut to a wide shot, then to commercial. Viewers were left without the rest of his message.

Two minutes later, the broadcast returned with Prescott smiling and leading playful “SVP” chants at the desk. Van Pelt immediately addressed the issue.

“Technical difficulties, our apologies to you at home, and you as well,” the host said, attempting to refocus the interview. Instead of revisiting the emotional topic, Van Pelt shifted to questions about the Cowboys’ upcoming schedule.

Prescott: “We Will Carry His Light Forward”

While the broadcast interruption prevented him from finishing his thought on air, Prescott later expanded on his emotions before heading to the locker room.

“It was a blessing to be out on the field,” he said. “This is where healing happens for me. We love Marshawn and will continue to shine a light for him. We’re blessed to carry his light forward.”

During his press conference, Prescott made it clear that the adversity the team has faced — both on and off the field — could serve as a catalyst for something bigger.

“Everything we’ve been through can help us have a special season,” he said.

Cowboys Rally Behind Their Quarterback and Their Memory

The Cowboys, who benched two offensive weapons early in the game before finding rhythm behind Prescott’s steady hand, appeared unified and inspired by the memory of Kneeland. Players embraced one another throughout the night, sharing emotional moments on the sideline.

Prescott’s ability to channel grief into leadership has long been one of his defining traits. And even though technical issues briefly muted his message, everything about his performance — his poise, his command, his reflections afterward — spoke volumes.

The Cowboys left Las Vegas with a win, but more importantly, with a renewed purpose: to play every game with the heart, spirit, and memory of Marshawn Kneeland guiding them forward.