Former Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas is calling out Dallas for a jersey decision. The team recently assigned number 94 to undrafted free agent Kelvin Gilliam.

Thomas argues the number should remain off-limits to honor the late Marshawn Kneeland. And should not be assigned to anyone, until his contract expires, as reported by Forever Football on X.

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

Juanyeh Thomas, safety, signed a one year contract with the Indianapolis Colts this March. He too went undrafted in 2022.

Kneeland passed away in November 2025, and the jersey hasn't been given to someone else since then. The jersey carries emotional weight, and Thomas feels it is not right to do so within months of his passing away. 

Kneeland was in the second year of a four-year rookie contract after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. 

Jersey 94 carries a heavy legacy. It was previously worn by Hall of Fame legends DeMarcus Ware and Charles Haley.

“I just want to add on to the legacy of the number,” Kneeland had said via the Dallas Cowboys official site. “I wanna get the number retired. It's been some greats that have had it.”

Cowboys’ Jersey Decision Puts Kelvin Gilliam in Early Spotlight 

Wearing No. 94 gives Gilliam an early visibility at the rookie minicamp, given that number is already a huge legacy.

Gilliam was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports, while entering college. In the 2025 season with Virginia Tech, he started 12 games, recorded 34 tackles (7 solo), three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a pass defended.

His best season was in 2024, where he started 12 games and recorded 35 tackles (11 solo), three tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. 

Gilliam has emphasized his ability to adapt and be flexible as per various schemes during his pre-draft interview with Sports Illustrated.

“I can play 3-tackle, play all across the defense a lot,” Gilliam said. “I think I did that really well.”

Jersey numbers typically change before the start of the season, and the UFDA safety is already in the spotlight.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey