Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away on Thursday, as confirmed by the team. He was only 24 years old. In an official statement, the Cowboys expressed their profound sorrow, saying, “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.”
Kneeland's agent also verified the news of his death, although neither the agent nor the team disclosed the circumstances surrounding the young NFL player's passing. Jonathan Perzley, Kneeland's agent, shared heartfelt words, stating, “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. 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.”
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland as their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was the 56th overall selection. During his rookie season, he played in 11 games and appeared in seven games during the 2025 season. Notably, he recorded his first career sack in Week 1. Just recently, on Monday, he made headlines by scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marshawn Kneeland began his collegiate career at Western Michigan University in 2019. He nearly transferred to play under Deion Sanders at Colorado in 2022 but ultimately chose to remain in his home state. Throughout his college career, Kneeland amassed impressive statistics, recording 149 tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles over 38 games.
Before his time at Western Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. He also served as a team captain and showcased his athletic versatility by becoming a regional champion in track for the 400-meter race and excelling as an all-conference high jumper.
In his 18-game NFL career, Kneeland recorded 26 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass defended. His contributions on the field highlighted his potential as a rising star in the league. As the Dallas Cowboys enter their bye week, the team and fans alike will undoubtedly feel the impact of this tragic loss. The Cowboys’ next game is scheduled for November 17, and they will carry the memory of Marshawn Kneeland into the rest of the season.
