The NFL is mourning the loss of a young talent.
Marshawn Kneeland—a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys—died on Nov. 6, the team confirmed. He was 24.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the Cowboys’ statement, which did not share additional details on Marshawn’s passing, continued. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Marshawn’s agent Jonathan Perzley, who described the NFL player as a “dearest friend,” also shared his devastation over the news.
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys,” Jonathan wrote in a statement shared to social media. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
He continued, “My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
The NFL, too, shared it was “deeply saddened” by the news, expressing its support of Marshawn’s loved ones.
Marshawn was drafted in 2024 as the Cowboys’ second-round pick. During his almost two seasons on the team, the 24-year-old amassed 26 tackles and one sack across 18 games, including four starts. His death also comes just days after he scored his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ Nov. 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Less than two months before Marshawn was drafted to the NFL, however, he experienced great heartache: His mother Wendy Kneeland died of an undisclosed illness.
“It was definitely tough,” Marshawn said of his mother’s passing after being drafted, per the Dallas Morning News. “I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it.”
He added, “It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process]. She’s still with me.”
In fact, the football player had found a special way to honor his mother.
“I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere,” he said. “I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”
For more on Marshawn's life, keep reading.
Promising Talent
Marshawn Kneeland's football career started long before his time at the NFL.
During his senior year of high school in Michigan, Marshawn achieved an impressive 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense as well as 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense.
A Rising Star
After graduating, Marshawn committed to Western Michigan University, where he achieved 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks across his four years.
A Standout Player
During his time at the school, the athlete's work ethic helped him stand out, going to the team's facilities as often as he could to train and watch game footage.
As his coach David Denham put it, "That's when you started to see the gradual separation between him and some of the other guys."
Reaching New Heights
Marshawn was the Dallas Cowboys' second-round pick in 2024, the team owner Jerry Jones telling him at the time, "Marshawn, we're gonna put a star on that helmet."
For the young athlete, he tried to soak up every moment. "It's a once in a lifetime experience for me," he said of draft night, "so I'm just excited to be here."
Preparing for the Big Leagues
Marshawn's work ethic stuck with him as he transitioned into the NFL, preparing for his first season with the team.
The Next Chapter
As for how he was approaching the NFL, Marshawn just wanted to stick to his game plan.
"I'm going to be the same type of player I've always been," he said after being drafted. "Physical, fast, high-fitness, high-effort, high-motor. It's basically going to come down to making plays."
Putting in the Work
Throughout his almost two seasons on the Texas team, the 24-year-old amassed 26 tackles and one sack across 18 games, including four starts.
Milestone Achievement
Just days before his death, Marshawn scored his first touchdown in the league.
As his agent Jonathan Perzley said of the player following his death, "Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”