Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has tragically passed away at the age of 24, the team announced on Thursday, Nov. 6.
“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,” the team said in a statement.
Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. He finished his career having appeared in 18 games with four starts for the Cowboys, and recorded 26 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack.
Marshawn Kneeland Made Incredible Play A Few Plays Before His Death
In the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals in primetime on Monday night, Kneeland had one of the plays of the game. Defensive end Sam Williams blocked the punt, and Kneeland was able to chase it down and recover it in the end zone for a touchdown. It marked his only touchdown of his career.
Tributes Pour In For Marshawn Kneeland
NFL: “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.”
Jonathan Perzley (Kneeland’s agent): “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. 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.”
Former Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer (via Jane Slater): “He was a great person, eager to learn.. wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard-loved playing the game. Tough. My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.”
My Deepest Condolences To His Family And Friends 🙏🙏
Prayers to family and friend sorry to hear
🙏🏿Sending My Condolences & Big 🙏🏿 Prayers 🙏🏿 Going Up 4 The Family 🙏🏿
My prayers are with the family 🙏🏾
Praying 🙏🙏🙏
So sorry for your loss you have our condolences from our family may God be with you Amen 🙏🙏💔
So sorry for your loss u also the teammates pray 🙏🙏 to the family amen
I didn’t know you I just read about it and I wanted to say sorry for your loss and my God put his arms around your family at this hard and trying time you all have my condolences
Death leaves a pain in our hearts that no earthly being can heal,but the passing of a dear love one,none of us can steal.As the late and great Michael Jackson said in his song,(Remember The Time)that you had together with him.Some of us were put here long term and some for short term.In my closing,Please love one another like it’s the last time,take advantage of every second, minute,hour,day,week,month and year,because life is truly short.
Be blessed!DCFL94,RIP!
Marshawn Kneeland greatest touchdown,Is when he touches down in glory,we losted,but he won.It’s not always that we get the opportunity to live to become an old man,old woman.Marshawn Kneeland is our proof.Abe Lincoln once said,”It’s not the years in your life,but it’s the life in yours years,”
My sincere sympathy to the family, friends, teammates and all those Marshawn loved. God is Love and will carry you through this difficult time. He loves you all so much so lean on Him. God be with you all today and forever.