Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, a 2024 second-round pick who had recently scored his first NFL touchdown, died early Thursday morning.
He was 24 years old.
News of Kneeland’s death broke shortly after 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 6. It came as a shock to many, with legions of sports luminaries honoring the former Western Michigan star.
Details related to Kneeland’s passing remain sparse at the moment. Here’s what we know so far.
MORE: Cowboys, NFL mourn sudden passing of Marshawn Kneeland
How did Marshawn Kneeland die?
- Cause of death: TBD
The cause of Kneeland’s death has yet to be determined. The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning confirming that he had passed away.
“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.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also released a statement paying tribute to the 24-year-old.
#Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at the age of 24, his agent tells The Insiders and @SlaterNFL. His statement. pic.twitter.com/9W8hEeoWbl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2025
Officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to the Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris. A Plano Police Department spokesperson told Harris the officers did not make contact with anyone on the residence.