Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died early Thursday, just days after recording his first NFL touchdown on Monday night. The team said in a statement that the former second-round pick passed away at the age of 24.
“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.”
The NFL community mourned the loss as news spread across the league. The Cowboys selected Kneeland with their second-round pick in the 2024 draft, the 56th overall selection. He played in 11 games during his rookie season and appeared in seven in 2025, recording his first career sack in Week 1.
On Monday, he scored a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt in the endzone. The play would become his final highlight in what many saw as a promising career trajectory.
A Football Journey: From Michigan to the NFL
This timeline traces Marshawn Kneeland’s path from a high school athlete in Wyoming, Michigan, through his college years at Western Michigan University, to his brief but impactful NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. Each stage reveals his dedication, talent, and the steady progression that defined his football journey.
2018-2019
High School Excellence at Godwin Heights
Set school records at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. As a senior, he recorded 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense. Named team captain and earned regional champion honors in the 400-meter dash while excelling as an all-conference high jumper. His versatility extended to offense where he caught 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns.
2019-2023
Building Legacy at Western Michigan
Played 38 games for the
Western Michigan Broncos, recording 149 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks. In 2022, he nearly transferred to play for Deion Sanders at Colorado but decided to remain at Western Michigan. Earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2023 with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss in nine games.
2024
NFL Draft: A Dream Realized
Selected by the
Dallas Cowboys in the second round with the 56th overall pick. Donned the historic #94 jersey previously worn by Hall of Famers DeMarcus Ware and Charles Haley. Played 11 games as a rookie, recording 17 tackles and 13 quarterback pressures despite missing six games with a knee injury. His rookie season showed promise of what was to come.
2025
Growing Role and Final Milestone
Appeared in seven games with increased responsibilities on the defensive line. Recorded his first career sack in Week 1 against Philadelphia. On
Monday Night Football against Arizona on November 3, 2025, he achieved a career milestone by recovering a blocked punt for his first touchdown. This play came just days before his passing.
Career Statistics: By the Numbers
These statistics represent Marshawn Kneeland’s documented performance across his football career. From his 38 games at Western Michigan to his 18 NFL appearances with the Cowboys, each number tells part of the story of an athlete who made his mark at every level of competition.
18
NFL Games
4 starts • 11 in 2024 • 7 in 2025
26
NFL Total Tackles
15 solo • 11 assisted
1
Career Sack
Week 1 vs Eagles, 2025
1
Fumble Recovery
Blocked punt TD vs Cardinals
1
Pass Defensed
2024 rookie season
0
NFL Forced Fumbles
Career total
38
College Games
Western Michigan Broncos
149
College Tackles
27.5 TFL • 13 sacks
3
College Forced Fumbles
2019-2023 at WMU
Defining Moments and Career Milestones
Throughout his football career, Marshawn Kneeland achieved several significant milestones that showcased his athletic ability, determination, and character. These highlights represent key moments from high school through his professional career.
🏈
First Career Touchdown
On
Monday Night Football against Arizona on November 3, 2025, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first NFL touchdown. The play came in the second quarter and temporarily brought the Cowboys back into the game. This would be his final highlight play, occurring just days before his passing.
⭐
Second-Round NFL Selection
Achieved his dream when
Dallas selected him 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was assigned the prestigious #94 jersey, a number with deep history in the Cowboys organization previously worn by Hall of Famers DeMarcus Ware and Charles Haley. Kneeland expressed his goal to “add on to the legacy of the number” and hoped to see it retired someday.
🏆
High School Multi-Sport Excellence
Set multiple school records at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. His athletic versatility extended beyond football—he earned regional champion honors in the 400-meter dash and received all-conference recognition in high jump. As a senior, he recorded 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense.
💪
Michigan Roots and Loyalty
Native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nearly transferred to Colorado in 2022 to play for Deion Sanders but decided to remain at
Western Michigan in 2023. His decision to stay proved valuable as he earned second-team All-MAC honors and positioned himself for the NFL Draft.
2025 Season Performance Breakdown
This visual breakdown shows Marshawn Kneeland’s statistical performance during the 2025 season. These numbers reflect his contributions to the Cowboys’ defensive line across seven games before his passing during the team’s bye week.
Tributes and Remembrances
Following the announcement of Marshawn Kneeland’s passing, tributes poured in from the Cowboys organization, his agent, and coaching staff. These statements reflect the impact he made both on and off the field during his brief professional career.
“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.”
— Dallas Cowboys Official Statement
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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. 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 was a great person, eager to learn, wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard — loved playing the game. Tough. My last conversation with him was, ‘Keep being you — you’re going to have a great career.'”
— Mike Zimmer, Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
A Legacy Remembered
Marshawn Kneeland’s impact extended beyond statistics and game performances. Teammates, coaches, and those who knew him remember him for qualities that defined his character and approach to football and life.
🎓
Dedicated Student-Athlete
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended Western Michigan University beginning in 2019. He almost transferred to play for Deion Sanders at Colorado in 2022 before deciding to remain in his home state. During his collegiate career, Kneeland recorded 149 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles in 38 games.
Before playing at Western Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks and was a team captain. He was also a regional champion in track in the 400 meter and an all-conference high jumper.
In 18 career NFL games, Kneeland had 26 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed. He had zero forced fumbles in his professional career.
Dallas is currently in its bye week. The Cowboys’ next game is scheduled for November 17, 2025. Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, described his death as “a pain I can hardly put into words.” He is the second Cowboys player to die during the season in recent years. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car crash in which teammate Josh Brent was driving.
The NFL released a statement saying it has “offered support and counseling resources” to the Cowboys organization. The cause of Kneeland’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
