The Dallas Cowboys honored second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland with a touching statement after the 24-year-old suddenly passed away on Thursday morning
09:56 ET, 06 Nov 2025Updated 10:23 ET, 06 Nov 2025
Marshawn Kneeland
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Marshawn Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft(Image: Getty Images)
24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by his agent on Thursday morning. The cause of his death is unknown.
"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 Cowboys announced in a statement about a player who featured for them earlier this week. "Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.”
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Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown on Monday Night Football in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals just three days ago. The 2024 second-round pick out of Western Michigan recorded a combined 26 tackles and a sack in his 18 career NFL games.
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The NFL also released an official statement on Kneeland's passing. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland," it read.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources."
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Kneeland was born on July 8, 2001, and grew up in Michigan. He played both sides of the field in high school before committing to Western Michigan, where he earned Second-team All-MAC honors in 2023.
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., published a statement about Kneeland's passing. "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," it read. "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."
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"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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Dallas, 3-5-1 on the year, is currently on a bye week — the team is off from practice until Monday. It's unclear whether the team will proceed with its next scheduled contest against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17.
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Cowboys linebacker Kenneth Murray posted a picture of the late Kneeland, along with a caption reading, "Fly high brother," along with a broken heart emoji.