Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died on Thursday morning, the team said. He was 24 years old and in his second NFL season.
The Cowboys did not reveal the cause of Kneeland’s death, which came just three days after he scored his first touchdown in the NFL when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said 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.”
This was Marshawn Kneeland on Monday night — recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, living his dream.
Just a few days later… he’s gone.
So, so heartbreaking. 💔 pic.twitter.com/k4S4gh2P8y https://t.co/0YmjttsSwo
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 6, 2025
Kneeland contributed in each of the team’s seven games this season, recording six total solo tackles and one sack. The Cowboys drafted Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Godwin Heights High School, where he set school records for tackles and sacks. Kneeland went on to play his entire college career at Western Michigan University and was named a second-team All-Mid-American Conference player in 2023.
In his rookie season in Dallas, Kneeland recorded 17 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and had a fumble recovery, despite missing six games with a knee injury.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, added, “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to 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.”
