Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died at the age of 24 on Thursday morning, the team announced.
Kneeland was a second-round pick out of Western Michigan at the 2024 NFL Draft.
He scored his first career touchdown in the NFL on Monday night when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys’ defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” said the Cowboys in a statement.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organisation. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The Cowboys did not disclose any details as to the cause of death.
Kneeland posted 15 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries in seven games for the Cowboys this season.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counselling resources.”
Kneeland recorded 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups across 38 games for Western Michigan in college.
He was ruled out for six games due to a knee injury during his rookie year, which saw him amass 17 tackles, 13 quarterback pressures, a pass breakup, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” said Kneeland’s agent Jonathan Perzley in a statement, per the NFL.
“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.
“My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
The Cowboys are currently on a bye week and are due to return to action at the Las Vegas Raiders in Monday Night Football on November 17 in Week 11.
