Tragic Passing of Marshawn Kneeland

The Dallas Cowboys announced on Thursday the heartbreaking news of the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland at the age of 24. The organization expressed its deep sorrow in a statement released to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, stating, "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."

A Bright Future Cut Short

Kneeland's agent, Jon Perzley, echoed this sentiment, stating, "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. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources."

Selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland was just beginning his second season in the NFL after an impressive collegiate career at Western Michigan University. His five-year tenure with the Broncos saw him tally 13 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss, gaining significant attention leading up to the draft. The Cowboys drafted him with the 56th overall pick, and he made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting one of the 11 games he appeared in, recording 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery.

This season, Kneeland participated in seven of the Cowboys’ nine games and started three. He managed to record 12 tackles and three tackles for loss, marking a milestone with his first career sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. Just this past Monday, Kneeland displayed his abilities during the Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, contributing to the game with a recovery of a blocked punt for his first career touchdown.