- Post Malone paid tribute to former Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland during his Thanksgiving halftime show.
- Malone said his message was also inspired by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, a prominent mental health advocate.
- The performance kicked off the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign.
This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Post Malone wouldn’t leave stage without a special message.
“We love you 94, we love you!” Malone screamed as the AT&T Stadium crowd roared at the end of his riveting halftime performance on Thanksgiving.
Malone, who also wore a 94 patch on his customized jacket, knew it was fitting that he paid homage to Marshawn Kneeland, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle who died by suicide earlier this month.
“The biggest thing for any of us is having someone to lean on when you need it the most,” Malone told USA TODAY Sports as he visited Jerry Jones’ suite following the Cowboys’ 31-28 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Malone, a huge Cowboys fan with an intimate connection to the franchise – his father, Rick Post, worked for nearly 15 years for the team as assistant director of food and beverage – was saddened like so many others by the Kneeland tragedy.
Yet the award-winning country-rock megastar, whose real name is Austin Post, said that his respect for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott also inspired him to make a statement while on the grand stage that came with performing at halftime of one of the most-watched, if not most-watched, NFL game of the season.
Prescott has become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness since his brother, Jace, died by suicide in 2020.
“It was especially for this gentleman up on the TV right now,” Malone said, as Prescott’s postgame news conference was broadcast on monitors in the suite. “I know that he lost someone near and dear to him. It’s very important to be able to have someone you can talk to. I’ve always stood for that.”
That Malone, 30, was chosen as the halftime performer had added significance. While growing up, he once slept at Texas Stadium while his father worked late shifts. Rick Post worked at the Cowboys’ former home before moving to AT&T Stadium.
“He told me that he was more nervous about the game than he was the halftime show,” Charlotte Jones, Cowboys executive vice president and chief brand officer, told USA TODAY Sports.
Turns out that it was a win-win.
Said Malone, “This is a special place.”
Jerry Jones won’t argue with that. He told reporters during his postgame press conference that he was “extraordinarily excited” that Malone performed at the halftime show, which also kicked off the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign.
“You know his background,” Jones said. “He used to come over every night and sleep in (Texas Stadium) when his dad was in charge of all our beverages. And he slept over there for years, because his mother was working. And then she would finish her work and then he’d go home.”
As Jones remembered it, that kid was about four or five years old.
“Had a cot for him and he slept,” Jones said.
And look at him now. They had a stage for him and he rocked.