The Dallas Cowboys have confirmed the death of Marshawn Kneeland at just 24 years old, leaving fans reeling and wondering how he died.
"The Cowboys woke up Thursday morning to the worst news imaginable, learning of the tragic death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland," the Dallas Cowboys website announced.
Marshawn Kneeland's death was announced on the morning of November 6, 2025. His cause of death remained mysterious as the team's statement didn't mention it, and even local publications like the Dallas Morning News did not release it.
He leaves behind his girlfriend, Catalina.
Kneeland last posted on his Instagram page in October, writing, "Knew I was a trench baby, the way I had their mob psycho. " That post showed him walking to a game.
According to the Dallas Cowboys, "A second-round pick (56th overall) out of Western Michigan, Kneeland had played in seven of nine games this year, recording one sack and 15 tackles and six QB pressures. As a rookie in 2024, Kneeland missed six games due to injury, but still played in 11 games with one start."
"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 wrote.
"Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2025
The NFL also confirmed Kneeland's death in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland. 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."
What Was Marshawn Kneeland's Cause of Death? That Was Not Released, But His Agent Is 'Shattered'
The Cowboys' statement did not provide any cause of death for Kneeland. According to TMZ, the death came in the middle of Kneeland's second season with the Cowboys.
The Dallas Morning News reached out to the Frisco police and fire departments, Collin County medical examiner's office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, to no avail.
Kneeland's agent Jonathan Perzley released a statement to*TMZ. "*I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," he told the site.
"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," he added. He also did not release the player's cause of death.
Fans expressed shock and grief on social media. "Rest in peace to this young man and prayers to his family. Football is an afterthought when things like this happen!!!" wrote one person on X.
"My God!!! Praying for his loved ones and all whose lives he touched!! Y'all, love on your people, and drop petty divisions...be the bigger one, and make up...take nothing for granted!!! Rest well in Heaven, young soldier!!!" another person wrote.
Kneeland dealt with the death of his mom, Wendy Kneeland, as he was preparing for the draft, the Dallas Morning News reported. "It was definitely tough," Kneeland said, according to the newspaper. "I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I'm going to the NFL' and I made it."
Fans Noted That Marshawn Kneeland Had Just Scored a Touchdown Days Ago
Just days ago, everything seemed fine. In fact, Kneeland made a big play, and some fans took note of that as word of his death spread. "He was the one that just scored the touchdown off the block punt Monday. This is insane. RIP," wrote one person.
"He was just playing football a few nights ago. Life is fragile. RIP," wrote another fan.
The video of his play circulated on social media.
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/k4S4gh2P8yhttps://t.co/0YmjttsSwo
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 6, 2025
Fans were startled by the sudden nature of the death. "I'm shook to my core. So so heartbreaking. Rest In Paradise Marshawn," wrote another person on X.
In September, Kneeland posted another photo showing him walking and wrote, "Win."
"There is no shame in being weak. The shame is in staying weak," he wrote on Instagram in June. Kneeland frequently wrote inspirational phrases on his Instagram page. "Fast is what you do best, ain't it… Just Keep Running," he wrote in January. Kneeland hadn't posted on his X page since 2024.
He wrote with a throwback photo in 2022: "What goes up must come down..? But then why haven't I fell?"
He went to Western Michigan, according to his Cowboys' bio.
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This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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