Tragic Loss: Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Passes Away at Age 24

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In a heartbreaking development, the NFL has announced the passing of Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Cowboys broke the tragic news on Thursday morning, as reported by ESPN. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team relayed in their statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family during this difficult time.”

The circumstances surrounding Kneeland’s death have not yet been disclosed, with his agent, Jonathan Perzley, requesting privacy for the grieving family.

Kneeland had an impressive football career, having played for Western Michigan University before being selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His talent and dedication on the field were evident, and he was seen as a rising star in the league.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) celebrates after he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard Rodriguez)

The defensive end played for Western Michigan University before being drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 2024.

Kneeland died just days after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to Arizona on Monday night. His rookie season was off to a promising start before he was sidelined for five games by a knee injury.

Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this season against Philadelphia. He played in seven of the nine games this year.

When Nexstar’s WOOD spoke to Kneeland before the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland said any team that took him would see he’s the “hardest worker in the building.”

“You’re going to get the same guy every day. You’re going to get a hard-working, pretty good energy, and just the guy who knows what he wants, knows that he’s not going there to play around. He wants to be the best,” Kneeland said at the time. “Anybody that comes through … they’re not going to work harder than me.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.