Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland tragically passes away at age 24

The Dallas Cowboys have been struck by tragedy. On Thursday morning, it was announced that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had tragically passed away.

Kneeland was just 24 years old.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the team shared in a statement.

MORE: Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland scored first career TD in his final game Monday night

"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 defensive end Marshawn Kneeland after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Kneeland's former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said, “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.”

"According to a spokesman for the Plano Police Department, officers responded to 'a welfare concern' at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night and did not make contact with anyone at the residence," Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram wrote.

According to the the Texas Department of Public Safety, his death was ruled suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In his final game, a Week 9 Monday Night Football clash against the Arizona Cardinals, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown. It was the first touchdown of his career.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland walks off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Kneeland joined the Cowboys as a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft after starring at Western Michigan. Throughout his two years with the team, Kneeland has played in 18 games with four starts. He recorded 26 tackles, five tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, and one sack throughout his career.

Our deepest condolences go out to Kneeland's family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.

Editors’ note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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