“I dedicate this award to Marshawn Kneeland — he’s an inspiration to all of us.”

CHARLOTTE, November 5, 2025 — Sometimes, personal glory becomes a moment of tribute.

When Tre’von Moehrig

, safety for the Carolina Panthers, was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 9 of the 2025 season, he didn’t talk about his performance or his numbers. Instead, he paused, took a breath, and said softly:

“I dedicate this award to Marshawn Kneeland — he’s an inspiration to all of us.”

In the Panthers’ victory over the Green Bay Packers, Moehrig put on a near-perfect performance:

one interception, five tackles (including two tackles for loss) and two passes defended.
With those numbers, he became just the third defensive player in the NFL this season
to record two tackles for loss, two passes defended, and one interception in the same game — and the only defensive back to do it.

But instead of talking about himself, Moehrig chose to honor someone else —

Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys defender who passed away just days ago.

“We faced each other before,” Moehrig recalled. “What I’ll always remember is how he played — fearless, passionate, never backing down. He made everyone respect him.”

From TCU to Carolina: Tre’von Moehrig’s steady rise

Born in 1999 in Spring Branch, Texas, Tre’von Moehrig was a standout at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he became known as one of college football’s most complete safeties.

He was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with them before signing with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in the spring of 2025.

Throughout his career, Moehrig has earned a reputation as a disciplined, instinctive safety with elite play recognition and a fearless approach to contact. He’s the kind of player every coach values — quiet, consistent, and utterly dependable.

“I never try to be the loudest or flashiest guy,” Moehrig once said. “I just want to be the one my teammates can count on.”

A historic moment for the Carolina Panthers

With this award, Moehrig becomes:

The first Panthers player since 2023 (Frankie Luvu) to earn a Player of the Week honor.
The first Panthers safety since 2014 (Roman Harper) to be named
NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

In franchise history, only four safeties have ever received the honor: Roman Harper, Deon Grant, Pat Terrell, and now Tre’von Moehrig.

His recognition also places Carolina among just two NFL teams this season (alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) to have four different players named Player of the Week in 2025:

Rico Dowdle
– Offensive (Week 5)
Ryan Fitzgerald – Special Teams (Week 6)
Sam Martin – Special Teams (Week 7)
Tre’von Moehrig – Defensive (Week 9)

It’s the first time since 2017

that Carolina has had four different players honored in the same season — a sign of balance and resurgence under head coach Dave Canales.

As he left the press conference, Moehrig carried a small handkerchief embroidered with the number

94 — Marshawn Kneeland’s jersey number.
He didn’t raise his trophy; he raised the handkerchief instead.

A simple gesture, but one that spoke louder than words:
In a game built on impact and intensity, compassion remains the strongest force of all.

Texans Work Out Two Proven Veteran Tackles with Starting Experience After O-Line Shuffle

Houston, TX – October 14, 2025

The Houston Texans are wasting no time addressing depth concerns along their offensive line. Following their Week 6 bye, the team hosted two established veterans —

Nicholas Petit-Frere and D’Ante Smith — for official workouts, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Petit-Frere, a former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings legitimate starting experience to the table. The 26-year-old appeared in

34 games (28 starts) with the Tennessee Titans and briefly spent time with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 offseason. Known for his length and physical play, Petit-Frere has shown the versatility to play both tackle spots and could provide instant insurance for Houston’s protection unit.

Meanwhile, Smith, a former fourth-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, is eager to return after missing time with a patellar tendon injury. The 27-year-old impressed early in his career with his athleticism and technique before the setback, and his recovery progress has reportedly drawn positive reviews from multiple teams.

The Texans’ tackle depth has thinned in recent weeks following a string of roster moves — including trading Cam Robinson to the Browns and promoting Trent Brown from the practice squad. Currently,

Aireontae Ersery and Tytus Howard hold down the starting jobs, while Blake Fisher and Brown serve as backups.

Bringing in two experienced linemen with starting pedigrees suggests that general manager

Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans are leaving no stone unturned in strengthening C.J. Stroud’s protection heading into the second half of the season.

While no signings have been finalized, both Petit-Frere and Smith are viewed as

high-upside, low-risk options who could make their way onto the active roster or practice squad in the coming days — especially if injuries continue to mount in the trenches.