In shocking news, the Dallas Cowboys announced Thursday morning that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, has died. The Frisco Police Department has released the cause of death as suicide.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also confirmed the news in an emotional post on Instagram.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley wrote. “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.”
Perzley added that his heart aches for Kneeland’s family, teammates, and everyone who loved him, asking for privacy and compassion for them as they grieve.
Kneeland’s death comes just days after one of the most memorable moments of his young career. During Monday’s game, he scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone in an awesome play which electrified the fans at AT&T Stadium. After losing to the Arizona Cardinals, that play became the highlight for the Cowboys.
Drafted in the second round (56th overall) out of Western Michigan in 2024, Kneeland had been a bright spot on a struggling Cowboys defense this season. According to DallasCowboys.com, he appeared in seven of nine games, recording one sack, 15 tackles, and six quarterback pressures.
The Cowboys organization, teammates, and fans across the league have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of the promising young player.
