Kneeland with the Cowboys in 2024. Cooper Neill / Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning, the team said in a statement. He was 24.
The Cowboys did not give a cause of death or say where Kneeland died.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the franchise said. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland was in his second season with the team after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played in seven games this season, starting three and tallying 12 tackles with one sack.
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. pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2025
On Monday, in the Cowboys’ last game before the bye week, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland spent the majority of his life in western Michigan. He played linebacker and tight end at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, before playing at Western Michigan University, where he earned second-team All-MAC honors in 2023.
This story will be updated.
Nov 6, 2025
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