The Dallas Cowboys are already stirring up emotions before rookie minicamp even kicks off—and it’s not about depth charts or playbooks. The franchise’s decision to reassign jersey No. 94 has sparked backlash, with former teammate Juanyeh Thomas voicing his disappointment loud and clear.

The number was previously worn by Marshawn Kneeland, a promising second-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft who tragically passed away in November at just 24 years old. Kneeland was in the middle of his second season with Dallas, quickly becoming a key piece of the defensive line. Just days before his death, he delivered a memorable highlight: recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for his first career touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

Now, undrafted free agent Kelvin Gilliam—a versatile defensive lineman out of Virginia Tech—has been assigned No. 94 for rookie minicamp. But the move hasn’t sat well with those who remember Kneeland’s impact. Thomas, a former Cowboys safety, took to social media to express his disappointment.

“That 94 shoulda been off limits til my brother’s contract fully expired… Just don’t feel right fr… #94Forever,” Thomas wrote.

It’s worth noting that jersey numbers handed out during rookie minicamp are often temporary placeholders. If Gilliam earns a spot on the final 53-man roster, his number could change. The rookie certainly has the tools to make the team—his frame and speed give him the ability to disrupt both the run and the pass. But the controversy has already put him under a much brighter spotlight than most undrafted newcomers.

For many Cowboys fans, the loss of Kneeland still stings. He was on a four-year rookie contract and had become a fan favorite, both for his on-field promise and his off-field character. Reassigning his number less than a year after his passing feels premature to those who believe some legacies deserve more time to settle.