Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died early Thursday morning, just days after recording his first NFL touchdown on Monday night, the team confirmed in a statement. He was 24 years old.

The team said in a statement that the former second-round pick “tragically passed away.”

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) is on the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn 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.”

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The NFL also issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of the Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, his family, his friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered them support and counseling resources.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Frisco Police Department later released statements confirming that Kneeland had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas.

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute to the young NFL player in a lengthy statement, remembering him for his “spirit” and “kindness.”

“I watched him fight his way from being a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn put his heart into every play, every practice and every moment on the field. Losing someone with his talent, spirit and kindness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)

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“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,” Perzley continued. “I ask that you give your loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”

Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL draft out of Western Michigan. He recorded 149 total tackles and 12.5 sacks in three seasons, with 2023 being his best with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) leaves the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Image Images)

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In his rookie year with the Cowboys, Kneeland appeared in 11 games and recorded 14 tackles. This season, in seven games, he recorded 12 tackles and one sack. He scored his first NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals after recovering Sam Williams’ blocked punt in the end zone.

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