Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was reported dead Thursday in a team announcement that did not disclose cause or location. The club called Kneeland a beloved teammate and asked for privacy for his girlfriend Catalina and his family. His agent confirmed the death and asked for compassion while praising Kneeland’s rise from a hopeful college recruit to an NFL professional. The Cowboys are currently on a bye; the team returns to play on Nov. 17.
Key Takeaways
- Kneeland was 24 years old at the time of his death and was announced dead by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.
- The Cowboys drafted him in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
- He appeared in 11 games in his rookie season (2024) and seven games in 2025, recording his first career sack in Week 1 of 2025 and a blocked-punt recovery touchdown on Monday.
- Across 18 NFL games, Kneeland compiled 26 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defended.
- At Western Michigan (2019–2023), he totaled 149 tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles in 38 collegiate games.
- He attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set multiple defensive records and earned regional honors in track.
- The team and agent declined to disclose where or how he died; authorities or the NFL had not released further details at the time of reporting.
Background
Marshawn Kneeland rose through Michigan’s high-school ranks at Godwin Heights, where he led the program in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks and served as a team captain. He also competed in track and field, winning a regional title in the 400 meters and ranking as an all-conference high jumper, showcasing the athletic profile NFL scouts prize in edge defenders. Kneeland enrolled at Western Michigan in 2019 and developed into a consistent starter and disruptive presence on the defensive line over four seasons.
In 2022 he considered transferring to Colorado to play under coach Deion Sanders but ultimately stayed in Michigan, a decision that preserved his continuity with Western Michigan’s program. The Cowboys selected him with the 56th overall pick in the 2024 draft, signaling their investment in a young, athletic pass rusher they viewed as part of the club’s near-term rotation. Entering the NFL, Kneeland carried a collegiate résumé of 149 tackles and 13 sacks across 38 games, statistics that positioned him as a developmental prospect with upside.
Main Event
The Dallas Cowboys issued a brief statement Thursday morning announcing Kneeland’s death and describing him as “a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” while offering condolences to his girlfriend Catalina and his family. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the death in a separate statement, asking for privacy and praising Kneeland’s work ethic and character as he progressed from Western Michigan hopeful to NFL professional. Neither the Cowboys nor Perzley provided the location or medical cause of death.
On the field this season Kneeland played in seven games for Dallas, recording his first NFL sack in Week 1 and, most recently, scoring a touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone on Monday. Those plays underscored his active role on special teams and situational pass rush packages. The Cowboys are on a scheduled bye week and will face their next opponent on Nov. 17; team personnel and the NFL typically coordinate comments with family and investigators in such cases, which may delay further disclosures.
At the time of the announcement, no law-enforcement statement or medical examiner report had been released publicly. The NFL’s player health and safety office and the club’s internal staff often review sudden deaths involving active players; it is standard practice for teams to withhold details until families are notified and official determinations are made.
Analysis & Implications
The sudden death of an active 24-year-old player raises immediate questions about medical oversight, mental-health resources, and the support systems available to young athletes in professional sports. While many athlete deaths are later attributed to natural causes, accidents, or acute medical events, the absence of official details creates uncertainty for teammates, staff and fans and can increase public scrutiny of league and club health protocols.
For the Cowboys, losing a developmental rotational defensive end affects depth on the edge and special teams units—areas where Kneeland had begun contributing in 2025. Coaches will need to evaluate roster options, including practice‑squad elevations or in‑season signings, to fill production on punts and situational pass rush snaps. On a human level, teams historically provide counseling, chaplain services and structured support for players and staff after such losses.
At the league level, incidents involving current players sometimes prompt renewed attention to off-field safety measures, emergency-response readiness at team facilities, and the availability of comprehensive medical records. Stakeholders from NFL leadership to player representatives may review whether further steps are warranted to reduce preventable tragedies and to bolster care for young professionals navigating high‑pressure environments.
Comparison & Data
| Category | 2024 | 2025 | Career | College (WMU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 11 | 7 | 18 | 38 |
| Tackles | (see career) — part of 26 | — | 26 | 149 |
| Sacks | 0 | 1 (first in Week 1) | 1 | 13 |
| Forced fumbles | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 1 (blocked-punt recovery) | 1 | 0 |
The table aggregates publicly reported counting stats to show Kneeland’s rapid accumulation of experience in a short NFL tenure and the contrast with his more extensive college production. While his pro totals are modest, they reflect early-stage contributions typical of second‑round rookies who rotate into specialized roles. The blocked‑punt touchdown is a notable special-teams play that elevated his visibility during the 2025 campaign.
Reactions & Quotes
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said, expressing condolences and requesting privacy for those close to him.
Dallas Cowboys (official statement)
His agent described Kneeland’s rise from a hopeful college recruit to a respected professional and asked for compassion and privacy as family and teammates grieve.
Jonathan Perzley (agent)
Teammates and former coaches have posted tributes on social platforms noting Kneeland’s work ethic, competitive spirit and the impact he had in the locker room and community.
Team affiliates and social posts (public reaction)
Unconfirmed
- No official cause of death has been released; reports do not confirm whether medical, accidental or other factors were involved.
- The location of Kneeland’s death was not disclosed by the team or agent at the time of reporting.
- There has been no public statement from law enforcement or a medical examiner establishing further details.
Bottom Line
The death of Marshawn Kneeland is both a human tragedy and a moment that will reverberate through the Cowboys organization, the NFL and his Michigan community. Beyond roster ramifications, the immediate priority for the club and league is supporting family, teammates and staff while authorities and medical professionals complete any necessary reviews.
Expect the team and the NFL to coordinate further announcements once family notifications and official determinations are finalized; meanwhile, memorials and club-led support programs are likely to follow as the organization and fans process the loss. For observers, the episode underscores the importance of transparent communication balanced with family privacy when active athletes die unexpectedly.