Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died suddenly at the age of 24, the team confirmed Thursday morning.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the organization said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland’s death comes just days after he scored the first touchdown of his NFL career, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during Monday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. His sudden death marks the second in-season tragedy for the team in recent memory; linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car crash in 2012.
Kneeland’s journey to the NFL was marked by personal loss. While preparing for the 2024 draft, his mother, Wendy, died unexpectedly. “It was tough, it still is,” Kneeland told WZZM 13 at the time. “But I know she spent her life trying to get me here. She supported me every step of the way.”
He wore a pendant containing his mother’s ashes during games as a tribute to her.
