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Second-year Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was not one to leave a major social media path but before his stunning death at age 24 this week, which the Cowboys announced on Thursday morning, he posted one of the great highlights of his life: The moment he was drafted to Dallas. Kneeland’s most recent post on Instagram dates back to April 2024, when he was chosen by the Cowboys in the second round of the NFL draft. The video clip shows Cowboys executive Will McClay on the phone to Kneeland, telling him someone wants to speak with him. McClay then hands the phone to owner Jerry Jones, who said, “Marshawn, well first of all, we’re gonna put a star on that helmet. Sure had a lot of really complimentary things that have been said about you over the last few weeks since we’ve been in this evaluation process but we are excited about you, being a Dallas Cowboy.” To which, Kneeland replied: “For sure, thank you.” Cowboys Announced Marshawn Kneeland Death at 9:35 a.m. Thursday The moment is imbued with an extra bit of weight and gravity given the death of Kneeland. Int he wake of announcing the tragedy at 9:35 a.m. ET, the Cowboys wrote in a 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 thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.” Last year on Twitter/X, Kneeland reposted and commented on a photo from his former defensive line coach at Western Michigan David Denham, who posted a photo of some of his players with the caption, “Always a great evening when the guys come over! #EAT” Kneeland wrote, in May of 2024, “Enjoy this. It goes by fast.” Agent Confirms Marshawn Kneeland Death Additionally, Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the death of his Cowboys client. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said in a statement. “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.”
