Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Dead at 24, Remembered by Friends as ‘Hopeful Kid’

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, the team announced Thursday, November 6.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys’ statement began. “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 – who was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft – was a pivotal member of the team’s defense, scoring the first and only touchdown of his career after recovering a blocked punt during their game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL announced in a separate statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates.”

While little is known of his cause of death, Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, described his client and friend as “a hopeful kid” from Western Michigan.

“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.