By Harshit
FRISCO, TEXAS — November 6, 2025 — 9:50 AM EDT
The Dallas Cowboys and the NFL community are mourning the unexpected passing of Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end whose emerging career and growing influence made him one of the franchise’s most promising young players. The team confirmed his death on Thursday morning, though no details regarding the cause were released publicly.
Kneeland, in only his second professional season, had rapidly built a reputation not only as a dedicated and high-motor defensive talent, but also as a well-liked and respected presence inside the locker room. His passing sent shockwaves across the league, leaving teammates, coaches, and fans grappling with heartbreak and unanswered questions.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team’s statement read. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
A Rising Talent Gone Too Soon
Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 56th overall, out of Western Michigan, where he had been a standout performer known for his power, technique, and relentless effort off the edge. He arrived in Dallas during a period of transition for the defense, quickly inserting himself into key rotation snaps as a rookie and earning the trust of the coaching staff.
In Monday night’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Kneeland delivered one of the most memorable moments of his NFL career. Following a blocked punt, Kneeland recovered the ball in the end zone for the Cowboys’ first touchdown of the game, an emotional highlight that teammates now recall with a mixture of pride and sorrow.
“He always played with fire,” one Cowboys teammate said privately. “He just loved the game. Loved us. Loved being here.”
Career Progress Interrupted by Injuries — Yet Defined by Effort
While injuries limited Kneeland through portions of both his rookie season and the current campaign, he remained productive whenever he stepped on the field. He missed six games during his debut year due to a knee issue but still recorded notable defensive contributions:
- 17 total tackles
- 13 quarterback pressures
- 2 tackles for loss
- A pass breakup and a fumble recovery
This season, Kneeland appeared in several games despite missing two weeks earlier due to injury. He had already registered 15 tackles, six quarterback hurries, two tackles for loss, and one sack — a statistical profile that hinted at a breakout campaign ahead.
The Cowboys are currently on their scheduled bye week, with players and staff set to return to practice Monday. The pause in competition may offer the organization a moment to grieve, though the emotional burden will likely extend far beyond the coming days.
From Michigan Roots to the National Stage
Born and raised in Wyoming, Michigan, Kneeland was a star athlete from the earliest stages of his football journey. At Godwin Heights High School, he set program records for sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss, leaving behind a legacy that made him one of the most celebrated defensive players to emerge from the region.
At Western Michigan, Kneeland appeared in 38 collegiate games, totaling:
- 27.5 tackles for loss
- 13 sacks
- 3 forced fumbles
- 3 pass deflections
His final collegiate season, in 2023, saw him earn Second-Team All-MAC honors, finishing with 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks despite appearing in only nine games. That season cemented his projection as a high-upside NFL talent.
A Painful and Familiar Loss in Dallas
Kneeland becomes the second Dallas Cowboys player in recent memory to pass away during an NFL season. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car accident while teammate Josh Brent was driving, a tragedy that left a lasting mark on the franchise.
Now, more than a decade later, the Cowboys are again faced with mourning a young life cut short.
The team has not yet announced memorial or funeral details, and the family has requested privacy as they process their loss.