Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dead at 24

The Dallas Cowboys announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday morning. He was 24.

The cause of death was not immediately released by the club.

"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the Cowboys wrote in a statement. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after he was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University.

In seven games this season, including three starts, Kneeland had 12 combined tackles, a sack and a blocked punt recovery for a touchdown in Dallas' Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland," the NFL wrote in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates."

The Cowboys are on a bye week and are scheduled to play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 11.

"I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream of being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words," Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, wrote in a statement.

"My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."

Kneeland grew up in Michigan and was a standout in college. He had 148 combined tackles and 13 sacks from 2019-2023.

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