Copyright Heavy.
The shocking death of 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland sent shockwaves through the franchise and beyond on Thursday. The NFL sent out its condolences on its main social media accounts. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL posted on its official X account on November 6. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates.” Kneeland, a Wyoming, Michigan, native, was a second round pick (No. 54 overall) by the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL draft out of Western Michigan. Kneeland’s death came just days after he scored a touchdown off of a blocked punt on Monday Night Football in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. “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,” NFL Insider Jordan Schultz wrote on his official X account. “So, so heartbreaking.” Cowboys Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson reacted to Kneeland’s death with a touching post on his Instagram Stories, writing “LOVE YOU BROTHER” over a picture from the NFL’s official post about Kneeland’s death. Kneeland and Ferguson, a 2022 fourth round pick out of Wisconsin, were teammates for the last 2 seasons. Cowboys, NFL Left Reeling After News The Cowboys released a statement with the news of Kneeland’s death mid-morning Thursday. “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,” the team said in a statement. Kneeland’s post from the day he was drafted quickly went viral after his death. “From 2 star to 2nd round,” Kneeland wrote on his official X account on April 26, 2024. “Thank you everyone for the love and support. We just getting started.” “He was a great person, eager to learn … wanted to be great,” former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer told NFL Network’s Jane Slater. “He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard-loved playing the game … My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.” “This is genuinely one of the saddest moments I can put my finger on as a DALLAS SPORTS FAN,” JLV Football wrote on its official X account. “Marshawn Kneeland played with so much enthusiasm and energy— it was contagious. I truly cannot believe this. Prayers up to Kneeland’s family and friends, and everyone involved.” Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach Robert Prince coached Kneeland on the Cowboys in 2024 and was emotional talking to the media following his death.
