Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, a rising NFL talent known for his relentless motor and quiet leadership, has tragically passed away at the age of 24, the team announced Thursday. In only his second NFL season, Kneeland had already become one of the most promising young defenders on the Cowboys roster, making his sudden death an even more heartbreaking loss for the organization, the league, and fans across the country.
In a statement, the Cowboys expressed “extreme sadness,” emphasizing that Kneeland was not only an emerging star but also a respected and beloved teammate. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and with his entire family,” the organization said. Kneeland’s death comes just days after one of the brightest moments of his career, when he scored a touchdown on a blocked-punt recovery during a nationally televised Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals.
TMZ reports that Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also released a deeply emotional tribute, calling the young athlete both a client and “dearest friend.” Perzley recalled watching Kneeland evolve from a determined teenager at Western Michigan University into a disciplined professional who poured everything he had into every snap. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words,” he wrote, asking the public to give the family privacy during this devastating period.
Born and raised in Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he became known for his work ethic, versatility, and late-growth physical transformation that turned him into a major college prospect. At Western Michigan, he developed into one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the MAC, earning All-Conference recognition and finishing his college career with 148 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks from 2019 to 2023. His combination of size, explosiveness, and football IQ made him one of the top defensive prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of that draft, believing he had the potential to grow into one of the league’s elite pass rushers. Coaches frequently praised his humility, discipline, and leadership maturity beyond his years. By his second season, he had already carved out a significant role on defense and special teams, and many inside the Cowboys organization considered him a future cornerstone player.
The NFL issued a statement offering condolences to the Cowboys and the Kneeland family, noting that league-wide counseling and support resources would be provided. Across social media, teammates, coaches, fans, and former Western Michigan players shared tributes honoring Kneeland’s kindness, work ethic, and remarkable journey. His loss leaves a profound void in the football community and among all those who watched him rise from a hopeful Michigan kid to an emerging NFL standout.
SOURCE: blacknews.com