Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, the team announced.
“With profound sadness, the Dallas Cowboys communicate that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement on Thursday, November 6. “Marshawn was a much-loved teammate and valuable member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The team did not disclose the cause of Kneeland’s death. However, a spokesperson for the Plano Police Department told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that officers responded to a “welfare concern” at his residence at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5. They were unable to make contact with anyone inside the home.
In police dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports, operators relayed information from Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina. She stated she had received a message from Kneeland indicating he would “end it all.”
Catalina also informed authorities that Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental health issues.
Dispatch operators further noted they were in communication with the NFL. The league had called, expressing concern about one of its players “sending goodbye texts to his family.”
Kneeland was a second-round pick in the 2024 draft for Dallas, coming from Western Michigan University. He earned second-team All-MAC honors in 2023.
He participated in seven games this season, making three starts. In the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, November 3, Kneeland scored his first professional touchdown. He recovered a blocked kick in the end zone.
“It deeply pains me to confirm that my client and dear friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed in a statement to NFL.com. “I watched him battle from being a hopeful young man at Western Michigan with a dream to becoming a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys.”
Perzley added, “Marshawn gave his all on every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. Losing someone with his talent, spirit, and kindness is a grief I can barely put into words.” He expressed deep sorrow for Kneeland’s family, teammates, and loved ones, requesting privacy and compassion for them during this unimaginable time.
The NFL also issued a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland.” The league extended thoughts and prayers to his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and teammates. The NFL confirmed it had contacted the Cowboys and offered support and counseling resources.
The Cowboys currently hold a 3-5-1 record for the season. They are on a bye in Week 10 and will return to the field on November 17 to visit the Las Vegas Raiders.
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