The Dallas Cowboys have announced the tragic death of 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland days after his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals
10:08 ET, 06 Nov 2025Updated 10:26 ET, 06 Nov 2025
24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away on Thursday morning
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24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away on Thursday morning(Image: Getty)
Marshawn Kneeland had a starring role in a standout play, recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, in the Dallas Cowboys' defeat to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football before his tragic passing was announced.
The 24-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Cowboys after a standout college career at Western Michigan. Kneeland played 11 times for the Cowboys in 2024 and saw his role increase on Dallas' defense in 2025, playing in seven games, his last being the 27-17 defeat to the Cardinals.
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Kneeland had a standout play with the Cowboys down 10-0 inside their own AT&T Stadium, scoring a touchdown off a blocked Cardinals punt to reduce the deficit to three. The Cowboys announced Kneeland's passing amid their Week 10 NFL bye week, with the NFL franchise not due to play until November 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization," the team announced in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The NFL has also released a statement amid the tragedy. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland," the league said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates."
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, also paid tribute to the late sophomore NFL star. "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," he said.
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"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.
"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."
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 22: Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Kneeland's former DC Mike Zimmer told NFL Network: "He was a great person, eager to learn .. wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard-loved playing the game.
"Tough. My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.”
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