NFL World Mourns Death of Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland

Kristen Wong | Nov 6, 2025

The Cowboys announced 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died on Thursday. / Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Cowboys announced that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning. He was 24. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer confirmed the news.

"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the Cowboys said in a released statement. "Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."

The Cowboys did not share details of how Kneeland died. The Frisco Police Department released a statement late Thursday morning that revealed Kneeland died from "what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound." The exact cause and manner of death will be determined by the Collin County medical examiner's office.

Kneeland was the Cowboys' second-round pick out of Western Michigan in the 2024 draft. The Michigan native played 18 games across one and a half seasons in Dallas, and was coming off a big game in which he scored a defensive touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in Week 9's Monday Night Football loss to the Cardinals.

News of Kneeland's tragic death rocked the NFL community on Thursday, with many sharing their condolences and sending thoughts and prayers to Kneeland's family on social media:

We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c

— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2025

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Marshawn Kneeland and the Dallas Cowboys during this difficult time 💚 https://t.co/U8SJq8xj5f

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 6, 2025

Our hearts are with the Kneeland family and the entire Cowboys organization 🤍 https://t.co/L2pA1qzFvV

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 6, 2025

Heartbroken. Sending my deepest condolences to Marshawn Kneeland's family and loved ones. https://t.co/1oiUjLqSkb

— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) November 6, 2025

RIP. 🕊️🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/D0iLHvGcjH

— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) November 6, 2025

A tragic loss. Praying for Marshawn's family, friends, and teammates. Gone too soon. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/9puJ0RgXu7

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) November 6, 2025

Thoughts are with the family of Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, gone at 24.

Dallas statement: “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…

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 6, 2025

This was Marshawn Kneeland on Monday night — recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, living his dream.

Just a few days later… he’s gone.

So, so heartbreaking. 💔 pic.twitter.com/k4S4gh2P8y https://t.co/0YmjttsSwo

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 6, 2025

As coaches, players and fans react to the shocking news this morning of Marshawn Kneeland’s death, a note from his former DC Mike Zimmer to me.

“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… pic.twitter.com/K9CQIMqIv0

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 6, 2025

Rest in Peace, Marshawn Kneeland pic.twitter.com/LWS7jHzkQd

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 6, 2025

In is final game, Marshawn Kneeland scored his first NFL TD on MNF. Now the 24-year-old Cowboys player has died. He was always so engaging, and knowledgeable, seemingly full of hope and promise. Rest in eternal peace. https://t.co/V8btMXY213

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) November 6, 2025

Sick my stomach, my brotha man😢🕊….

— Juanyeh Thomas (@STG_Yeh1) November 6, 2025

Damn RIP 💙⭐️ https://t.co/JS4GnAwtbt

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 6, 2025

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