The Dallas Cowboys announced that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 24.
Details about the passing are unknown at this time, but the organization wrote in a statement that Kneeland “tragically passed away this morning.”
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” continued the organization in the statement.
Jonathan Perzley, Kneeland’s agent at Sportstars Inc., also confirmed the tragic passing in a statement.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft after spending his collegiate career as a member of the Western Michigan Broncos.
During his time with the Broncos, Kneeland collected 148 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks, including 57 total tackles and 4.5 sacks during his final season with the team in 2023.
Through the first two seasons of his professional career with the Cowboys, which included 18 total appearances and four starts, Kneeland accumulated 26 total tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery.
Kneeland also made history this season during the Cowboys’ Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, becoming the first Cowboys player since 2021 to recover a blocked punt for a touchdown.