Amid the ongoing season, the Dallas Cowboys were struck by heartbreaking news. On Thursday morning, the team announced with deep shock and sadness that second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had tragically passed away. He was just 24 years old, playing in his second season with the Cowboys.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys released a statement after the DE’s passing. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Learn what happened, how the NFL community is responding, and the legacy he leaves behind.

What happened to Marshawn Kneeland?

Born on July 8, 2001, Marshawn Kneeland grew up in Michigan and went on to have an impressive college career with the Western Michigan Broncos. In his final season, he recorded 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss in just nine games. The signs of a promising NFL future were clear. Unfortunately, his professional career was tragically cut short by his untimely passing.

Per a TMZ report‘s police dispatch audio, it was reportedly evident that Kneeland was battling with mental health complications at the time.

Late Wednesday night, Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend reportedly received a troubling message from the 24-year-old defensive end, prompting her to urgently reach out to his agent and authorities. She revealed to dispatch operators that Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental health struggles. She was quoted as saying he would “end it all.” NFL contacted the Plano Police Department, advising them about the situation and confirming that Kneeland was “texting his family goodbye.”

Initially, ESPN reported that the Cowboys had not released any details regarding the circumstances of Kneeland’s death. However, his agent, Jonathan Perzley, later confirmed in a statement that Kneeland had passed away on Wednesday night. Soon after, Cowboys reporter Nick Harris added another layer to the story, citing a police source:

“According to a spokesman for the Plano Police Department, officers responded to ‘a welfare concern’ at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night and did not make contact with anyone at the residence.”

Despite efforts by law enforcement, including perimeter searches with dogs and drones, the officers initially could not locate Kneeland. His body was found around 1:30 a.m. inside a portable toilet near the site where the pursuit ended with his crashed vehicle. The Texas Department of Public Safety later confirmed death by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The police dispatch captured the seriousness with which authorities approached the case, advising caution with the words, “All do a favor everybody stay somebody looking alone; this guy is armed.” Further, dispatchers indicated they were maintaining communication with the Dallas Cowboys during the search.

Who was Marshawn Kneeland?

A former second-rounder with the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Kneeland started his football career in Wyoming during his high school days before starting for Western Michigan. Across his collegiate career, the DE recorded 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three pass deflections in 38 games before finally making it to the NFL.

Across two seasons with the Cowboys, the 24-year-old played 18 games with four starts. During his time with the team, he recorded 26 tackles, five tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, and one sack. In his rookie season, Kneeland missed six games due to a knee injury but still made an impact. We’re talking 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, 13 quarterback pressures, one pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.

Fast forward to his second season, Kneeland missed a couple of games again because of injury. However, he still managed to post 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries. The 24-year-old had a standout performance on Monday Night during the Cowboys’ meet-up with the Arizona Cardinals for their Week 9 matchup, where the defensive end recorded a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown.

The Cowboys are currently in their bye week and will only return to practice on Monday. Sadly, the Dallas team will head into their Week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders without their second-year DE. After his death, tributes and condolences for his family have begun pouring in from across the NFL, including heartfelt messages from his former defensive coordinator.

Heartfelt tributes pour in from the league for the late Cowboys’ DE

After Marshawn Kneeland’s death, the NFL released a statement expressing its condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”

The league’s message reflects the collective shock felt across teams, players, and fans alike, as the loss of such a young and rising player reverberates through the sport. Kneeland’s agent, Perzley, spoke with visible grief, recalling the DE’s relentless work ethic and humble beginnings.

“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream of being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys,” the agent said. “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.”

His words capture both the pride and heartbreak of seeing a dreamer reach his goal, only for life to cut it short. His former defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, added a glimpse into Kneeland’s personality beyond the stats.

“He was a great person, eager to learn … wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard, loved playing the game. Tough. My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career,” Zimmer said. Without any doubt, it’s a reminder that Kneeland’s passion and toughness left an impression not just as a player, but as a man determined to grow.