Dallas Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland Dies at Age 24/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at the age of 24, the team announced Thursday. No details regarding the cause of death have been released. Kneeland, a second-year player out of Western Michigan, had just scored a special teams touchdown days earlier.
Marshawn Kneeland Death Quick Looks
- Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland dies suddenly at age 24
- Team announces death, asks for privacy on details
- Kneeland recently scored on a blocked punt recovery
- Former second-round pick from Western Michigan in 2024
- Played 7 games this season, recording 15 tackles and a sack
- Missed time with injuries in both rookie and sophomore seasons
- Excelled in high school and college, earning All-MAC honors
- Second Cowboys player to die in-season since Jerry Brown (2012)
Deep Look: NFL and Cowboys Mourn the Sudden Death of Marshawn Kneeland at 24
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are mourning the unexpected loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died early Thursday morning at just 24 years old. The team made the heartbreaking announcement but provided no additional information regarding the cause of his death, instead requesting privacy for his loved ones.
“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 regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The tragic news comes just days after Kneeland’s standout moment on the field — scoring a touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys’ Monday night loss to the Arizona Cardinals. That play marked the team’s first score in that game and showcased the potential the young defensive lineman brought to the franchise.
A second-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland was picked 56th overall by Dallas after a stellar college career at Western Michigan. In his rookie season, he showed glimpses of strong pass-rushing ability, though injuries limited his appearances. He missed six games in his first year due to a knee injury but still managed 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, 13 quarterback pressures, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.
In the 2025 season, Kneeland appeared in seven of the Cowboys’ first nine games. He recorded 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries, despite missing two games with injury. His sack in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles was the first of his career.
Kneeland’s journey to the NFL began at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. His talent earned him a spot at Western Michigan University, where he played in 38 games and racked up 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. In 2023, he earned Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors, compiling 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss in just nine games.
His combination of size, speed, and relentless energy made him a rising presence on the Cowboys’ defensive front, and coaches and teammates had praised his work ethic and maturity.
The Cowboys are currently on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to practice until Monday. The organization has not yet announced memorial plans or whether it will hold a tribute in Kneeland’s honor at their next game.
Kneeland’s death marks a painful moment for the Cowboys, who have now lost a player during the regular season for the second time in recent history. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car accident involving teammate Josh Brent.
NFL players, coaches, and fans across the league began posting tributes on Thursday morning, expressing shock and grief over the loss of a player described as humble, hardworking, and full of promise. Though his time in the league was brief, Marshawn Kneeland made a lasting impact — both on the field and in the locker room.
As the Cowboys community and the greater football world process the news, attention turns to supporting Kneeland’s family, friends, and teammates through an incredibly difficult time.
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