NFL fans across the country woke up to the tragic news of 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys edge defender Marshawn Kneeland’s passing on Thursday morning. Seattle Seahawks pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence was a teammate of Kneeland’s last year and opened his press conference Thursday, offering support for Kneeland’s family, his former teammate, and his former team.
“My condolences to Marshawn Kneeland’s family, the Cowboys. It’s tough to lose a brother in a situation like this. I want to send my condolences, my love and my prayers,” Lawerence said.
Kneeland, a second-round pick in 2024 out of Western Michigan, died in an apparent suicide following an interaction with Frisco (Texas) Police on Wednesday night that spilled into Thursday morning, brought about by an apparent mental health episode, according to reports.
Seattle Seahawks veteran DeMarcus Lawrence pays tribute to former teammate Marshawn Kneeland
“I know he loved the game, man,” Lawrence said. “He loved to smile, he loved interaction with his teammates. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him last year, you know, by the fourth game, I got hurt. So that kinda messed up our relationship and time that we had to be together in meetings and stuff. But yeah, he was a fun young guy, and I loved being around him.”
Last season, Lawrence and Kneeland were in an endorsement video together posted by the Cowboys’ X account for Sleep Number beds. In the endorsement, Lawrence and Kneeland engaged in a conversation, with Lawrence offering the then-rookie guidance on adjusting to NFL life and the importance of an athlete’s attention to their bodily health.
rest & recovery 🧘
D-Law sat down with rookie DE Marshawn Kneeland to offer advice on being in the league and how to get your body right for game day#DallasCowboys | @sleepnumber pic.twitter.com/Ym5o7GnoNh
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 18, 2024
Lawrence wrapped up his 11-year career with the Cowboys last season, joining the Seahawks in free agency this past offseason. Lawrence’s primary role in Seattle is serving as a veteran leader rather than putting up the big sack totals he used to get.
That leadership quality for Lawrence has been a boon for Seattle just as it once was for the Cowboys. With the cloud hanging over the NFL on a day like Thursday, it’s a credit to people like Lawrence who had a link to the situation, even if somewhat removed, to provide some levity and kind words to remember Kneeland by.
Kneeland, the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was drafted in part to replace Lawrence, with the end of his career beginning to creep up. He had 13 sacks in his career with the Western Michigan Broncos in four seasons of play.
On Monday night, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown when he recovered a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 1, he picked up his first career sack against the Philadelphia Eagles.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.