The Dallas Cowboys are mourning the unexpected passing of Marshawn Kneeland, a promising defensive end, at the young age of 24, as announced by the team on Thursday morning.
Kneeland, who was just beginning his second NFL season, passed away overnight. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, expressed his deep sorrow over the ‘tremendous loss’ in a heartfelt statement, although no details about the cause of death were disclosed.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland this morning,” the Cowboys’ statement expressed.
“Marshawn was cherished both as a teammate and as a valued member of our organization. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family during this difficult time,” the team added.
Tragically, Kneeland’s untimely death occurred just two days after he took the field for the Cowboys in their Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The talented defensive lineman, selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, reached a significant career milestone in that game by scoring his first professional touchdown. He achieved this feat by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the second quarter.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has passed away suddenly at 24
The defensive lineman was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 draft
His ‘shattered’ agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the loss as the NFL paid tribute
The NFL also paid tribute to the young football star, saying: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. 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.’
Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys out of Western Michigan last year. In nearly two seasons in the NFL, he played in 18 games for Dallas, four of which came as starts. He recorded 26 tackles and one sack.
‘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,’ his agent Perzley 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 pan 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. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.’
Yet, as Kneeland was preparing for the NFL scouting combine he and his family were rocked by another tragedy.
Kneeland’s mother, Wendy (left), unexpectedly passed away in February 2024
The Grand Rapids native suffered a devastating loss in April 2024 when his mother, Wendy, unexpectedly passed away of an undisclosed illness just two months before the NFL Draft.
‘It was tough, it still is, but I know at the end of the day the thing that gets me through it is she spent all her life trying to get me to go here and supported me as much as she could to get me to the NFL,’ Kneeland previously told WZZM 13.
Kneeland wore his mother’s ashes in a small two-inch urn on a necklace after he was selected by the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to training until Monday before their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17.
Kneeland set records for tackles, sacks and tackles for loss at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, before attending Western Michigan.
In 38 games throughout his collegiate career, Kneeland registered 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections.
He also earned a second-team All-Mid-American Conference nod in 2023 after he finished the year with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in nine games.
More to follow.
