In a respectful and unified gesture, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers have announced that the kickoff for their Week 10 matchup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California will be delayed by 10 minutes. Originally scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET, the game will now kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET to hold a memorial tribute for Marshawn Kneeland, the young defensive star of the Dallas Cowboys, who tragically passed away at the age of 24.

Memorial Tribute:

• The 10-minute delay will allow the teams and fans to participate in a moment of silence, and images of Kneeland will be shown on the jumbotron, along with a tribute message: “Forever in Our Hearts – #94 Marshawn Kneeland.”

• NFL officials have fully supported the decision, acknowledging the importance of honoring Kneeland’s memory before the game begins. Both the Steelers and Chargers players have also expressed their support for the tribute, showing that football is not just about competition but about unity and respect.

Response from Both Teams:

Both Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh have publicly supported the memorial, emphasizing the strong sense of brotherhood that exists within the NFL.

“Losing Marshawn is not just losing a player; it’s losing a brother in this family,” Mike Tomlin said. “Our thoughts are with his family and the Cowboys during this difficult time. Today, we stand together in remembering Marshawn and honoring his legacy.”

NFL’s Stance:

The NFL has shown full support for the decision to delay the game, recognizing that the memorial serves as a reminder of what truly matters outside the game: humanity, community bonds, and love for the game.

“While the game will go on, we must take this moment to honor Marshawn Kneeland’s legacy. This tribute reflects the values we hold dear in the NFL — unity, compassion, and love for the game,” the NFL stated.

Fan Response:

Fans from both teams have been encouraged to wear black armbands or scarves as a symbol of remembrance for Kneeland. The public response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many fans commenting on social media about the importance of taking time to honor someone who lived fully for football.

Game Details:

• Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025

• Time: Kickoff delayed to 8:30 p.m. ET

• Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California (Chargers are the home team)

• Broadcast: The game will be broadcast live on NBC, with commentary from Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya.

As the Steelers and Chargers face off this Sunday, both teams and their fans will be reminded that, while football is a game of competition, the bond between players and the support for one another transcends the game. The tribute to Marshawn Kneeland serves as a poignant reminder that, though he is gone, his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.