Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones urged people to have conversations with their loved ones after the sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. Kneeland died of an apparent suicide on Thursday, November 6. He was 24 years old. "It's unfortunate," Jones, 30, exclusively told Us Weekly. "We talked about it as a team. Just gotta love on your brothers. Always check on each other. You never know what somebody's going through." Jones, who chatted with Us in support of his partnership with HORMEL(R) BLACK LABEL(R) Bacon, added, "We've been taught to be the emotionally strong ones. As a man, you don't talk about it as much or you suppress the feeling. Just knowing that there's people out there that care about you and there's help for you, we're each other's keepers. You're your brother's keeper." Why Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland Was Involved in Police Chase Before His Death The Cowboys, who selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, announced the lineman's death on Thursday morning. "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the team said. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family." Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury and missed most of the second half of the Vikings' game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 2, explained how he keeps his mental game strong in the face of adversity. "When Sundays are taken away, it hurts," he said. "I'm always eager to get back out there on the field. Injuries come with the game. Before the ball is kicked off, I run into the end zone, get on a knee and I say a prayer. I pray for everybody. I got banged up last week, I just found a positive in it. I'm still breathing, I'm still living. I've still got two arms, two legs." Jones added, "You can die on the football field. I'm still here." The Vikings running back returned to practice on Thursday and could return to the team's lineup when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, November 9. In the midst of a busy NFL season, Jones has partnered with HORMEL(R) BLACK LABEL(R) Bacon on their recent limited-edition collaboration with Frank's RedHot(R). #ONEVERYTHINGCHALLENGE Courtesy of HORMEL(R) BLACK LABEL(R) Bacon Jones will take to Instagram for the #ONEVERYTHINGCHALLENGE on Tuesday, November 11, which will find the Vikings star trying the wildest fan-submitted bacon and hot sauce creations. "I hope they don't go too crazy," Jones said of the fans' concoctions. "I hope they give me a little sweet heat, like a spicy bacon ice cream." Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland's Family Breaks Silence on His Death When it comes to regular bacon consumption, Jones explained how the food plays a major role in his favorite pregame meal. "I do some grits and bacon," he said. "Cut up little pieces of bacon and put them in there. Now it's even better that I get a kick with my bacon. The flavor is bold, it's smoky. You got the spice to it, as well." Jones will compete in the #ONEVERYTHINGCHALLENGE on his Instagram at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 11. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.