Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, has died just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. The team confirmed his untimely passing in a statement, expressing deep sadness for his girlfriend Catalina and family. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unclear as investigations continue.
Kneeland, the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, was entering his rookie season with the Cowboys. He had appeared in 11 games, compiling 14 tackles, and had recently recorded one sack in the first seven games of the season. His performance last year at Western Michigan, where he registered 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks, helped secure his NFL career.
The NFL and the Dallas Cowboys both issued statements expressing their condolences, with the league offering support and counseling resources to Kneeland’s family and teammates. Marshawn’s agent, Jonathan Prezley, paid tribute to the young player, reflecting on his journey from a hopeful college athlete to a respected member of the Cowboys organization.
While the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, the football community mourns the loss of a promising talent. Kneeland’s passing marks a tragic end to a young life that showed great promise and dedication to the sport he loved.