Prescott

Warning: This story contains information some readers may find distressing

Quarterback Dak Prescott says the Dallas Cowboys’ players are “hurting” following the death of team-mate Marshawn Kneeland.

Defensive lineman Kneeland, drafted by the Cowboys in the second round in 2024, died aged 24 on Thursday.

Frisco Police Department in Texas said Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life after a vehicle pursuit and multi-agency search on Wednesday night.

Kneeland, in his second season with the Cowboys, scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt on Monday in a loss to Arizona.

Prescott and his team-mates had a team video call in the wake of Kneeland’s death which the 32-year-old said had been “very tough” following a “tragic loss”.

“I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my team-mates,” Prescott told CBS Texas.

Prescott’s own brother Jace died by suicide, external in 2020 and he has worked with mental health initiatives in the past few years.

He acknowledged Kneeland’s death had been “triggering” and it was “hard to balance” his emotions.

“This is a pain that you don’t wish upon anybody,” he said.

“You wish none of us had to go through this. You wish Marshawn didn’t have to go through what he went through.

“Tough moment for this team. I feel and hurt for everybody that’s involved in this and Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”

The Cowboys have a bye this week on the NFL schedule before they return to competition on 17 November at Las Vegas.

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Matt Newsum, BBC Sport rugby league reporter

Jake Connor’s receipt of the Man of Steel award in 2025 is somewhat fitting given the mental toughness he has shown in particular to put himself back among Super League’s best players since joining Leeds.

The 30-year-old has never lacked talent, but at times application and discipline have been his downfall. However, that is no longer the case, as an initial mix of tough words from boss Brad Arthur and a supportive environment since then have allowed Connor to thrive.

He was pivotal in Rhinos’ return to the play-offs with his creativity and kicking game, and his mercurial abilities also drew the best from team-mates Lachie Miller and Brodie Croft.

Back-rower Eva Hunter deserves her award following a stellar season with treble-winning Wigan in the women’s game.

Pound for pound, few players run and hit as hard as Hunter, who is a constant source of tries with her driving runs on the Wigan edge. She is box-office.

London Roosters contributed plenty to the 2025 wheelchair season and England’s Joe Coyd was key to that, despite defeats by Halifax Panthers in both finals.

His consistency helped set the standard for team-mates such as Mason Billington and new England captain Lewis King, and he will hope to impress further on England’s tour of Australia this autumn.