Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Passes Away at Age Twenty-Four
DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys organization and the broader football community were struck by tragedy early Thursday morning when defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away at the age of 24. A promising talent in his second NFL season, Kneeland’s sudden departure leaves a void across the team, his family, and fans who watched him rise from college standout to professional player. (AP News)
Kneeland, a Michigan native who played college football at Western Michigan University, was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. (Wikipedia) Over two seasons with Dallas, he appeared in 18 games (four starts), recorded 26 tackles and one sack, and just days before his passing, celebrated his first NFL-career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in a Monday Night Football game. (Dallas News)
In a statement, the Cowboys wrote: “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. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.” (Houston Chronicle) Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, expressed deep sorrow: “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night… To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.” (ESPN.com)
Early Life and Career
Born July 8, 2001 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he starred on both sides of the ball. At Western Michigan, he developed into a dominant defensive force, compiling significant tackles and sacks before making the leap to the NFL. (Wikipedia)
Professional Milestones
Drafted 56th overall in 2024, Kneeland entered Dallas as a player with high expectations. In his rookie season, he contributed 14 tackles and continued to grow. During the 2025 season — though marred by an ankle injury — he started three games and made several impactful plays. Most notably, on November 4, 2025, he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first official touchdown. (Houston Chronicle)
Sudden Passing & Investigation
Details surrounding Kneeland’s passing have not been publicly released. The Cowboys confirmed the passing and indicated that they are providing support and counseling resources to players, staff, and family. The National Football League also expressed its sorrow and support, while officials indicated the investigation is ongoing and circumstances remain under review. (AP News)
Impact on the Team and Community
The loss of Marshawn Kneeland has reverberated across the Dallas Cowboys organization and the wider NFL community. Teammates, coaches, and staff described him as a dedicated teammate — someone who “poured his heart into every snap, every practice” and whose smile and work ethic lifted those around him. (On3)
For the city of Dallas and fans alike, the sudden passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life — even for those at the peak of physical fitness and athletic achievement. It prompts reflection on the pressures and personal challenges athletes face behind the scenes, and the human beings at the heart of what is often seen only through the lens of sport.
Family, Legacy and Remembrance
His agent’s comments emphasized a request for privacy for Kneeland’s family, including his girlfriend Catalina, as they navigate a profoundly difficult time. In honoring his memory, the Cowboys and the NFL community are extending offers of grief support and have asked that fans and media respect the family’s space. (People.com)
Although Marshawn Kneeland’s career was just beginning, his ascent from Western Michigan standout to rising professional, and his first NFL touchdown just days before his passing, spotlight a story of aspiration and achievement cut tragically short. He leaves behind memories of grit, hope, and a bright future that will now remain unfulfilled — and the legacy of how much he meant to teammates, coaches, and fans in a short span.
As details of his passing continue to unfold, the community will remember Marshawn Kneeland as more than an athlete — as a young man who gave his all, pursued his dreams, and touched lives along the way.
