The NFL community is mourning the sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away at the age of 24.
The team announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday, leaving fans and fellow players in shock.
“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.”
Now, authorities have released his cause of death.
Kneeland passed away at just 24. Credit: Brooke Sutton/Getty Images.
Agent and former teammates pay tribute
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared an emotional statement remembering his client and friend. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley wrote, per Daily Mail.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Former Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley also reacted to the news on social media, writing on X: “Wow! Tragic news! Rest In Peace Marshawn Kneeland.
“You truly never know what someone is going through.”
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer remembered Kneeland as “a great person, eager to learn” and “tough as nails.” Zimmer added through NFL reporter Jane Slater: “He studied hard, loved playing the game, and my last conversation with him was, ‘Keep being you; you’re going to have a great career.’”
Cause of death confirmed
A cause of death has now been confirmed as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, in an official statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety, via Sports Illustrated.
“Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd,” the statement read.
“The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.
“The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, Marshawn Kneeland, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Promising start to his NFL career
Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University.
The Michigan native quickly became a respected figure in the locker room for his hard work and humility.
The young defensive end had played in 11 games during his rookie season and was beginning to take on a more prominent role in 2025.
Just days before his death, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals, The Guardian reports.
Personal challenges and resilience
Kneeland’s journey to the NFL was marked by both triumph and tragedy.
His mother, Wendy, passed away shortly before he was drafted. Speaking about her influence, Kneeland once said: “It was definitely tough. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL,’ and I made it.”
The NFL also released a statement following the news of his passing: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
The Washington Commanders joined many teams in paying tribute online, calling Kneeland “a rising talent with an incredible future ahead of him.”
Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images.
Police confirm welfare check at Kneeland’s home
According to a spokesperson for the Plano Police Department, officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Kneeland’s residence around 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night, a news update read on X.
Police did not make contact with anyone inside, and no further details have been released as of Thursday evening.
Kneeland’s death has stunned teammates, coaches, and fans across the league. Known for his positivity, drive, and compassion, he was seen as one of the Cowboys’ most promising young players.
As tributes continue to pour in, the NFL community remembers Marshawn Kneeland not only as an athlete with a bright future, but as a kind-hearted young man who made a lasting impact in his short life.
