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A Dallas Cowboy star has revealed the emotional tribute he made for Marshawn Kneeland following his shock death aged 24. Kneeland, a defensive end, died by apparent suicide at the age of 24 on Wednesday night. He was discovered dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing Texas State troopers when they attempted to stop him for a traffic violation. His death sent shockwaves across the sport and, on Friday, the NFL asked all teams to hold a moment of silence during their pre-game ceremonies to honor Kneeland. Tributes have also been pouring onto social media and, now, one of Kneeland's teammates has revealed the touching tribute that he made for the 24-year-old. Taking to Instagram on Friday, cornerback Josh Butler shared a picture of Kneeland's locker which had an assortment of flowers placed in front of it. His caption simply read: 'Love you dawg'. According to ESPN, the team has made counselling available for players and staff in the organization as they continue to come to terms with the harrowing news. Earlier this week, a teammate of Kneeland has been left fuming over messages that fans apparently sent him following the defensive end's death. 'Stay outta my DM with the 'this if this doesn't spark Yalls defense'… I could care less about that s** right now,' safety Juanyeh Thomas wrote on X. 'I just lost a brother, that I bled, sweated and cried tears with… Yall so caught up in this sports stuff , that y'all Mfs forget we just like y'all… But I expect that from y'all…..' Thomas, 25, had been a teammate of Kneeland's since last year, after the latter was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The defensive lineman's death came just two days after he suited up for the Cowboys in their Monday Night Football matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It was revealed that troopers attempted to stop Kneeland for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway. However, he reportedly refused to pull over, resulting in a pursuit which ended when the pursuing troopers lost sight of Kneeland's vehicle. Kneeland's vehicle was later discovered abandoned after having been in a crash, prompting a search of the immediate area where the football player was found deceased. The NFL also paid tribute to the young football star, saying: '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. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.' Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys out of Western Michigan last year. In nearly two seasons in the NFL, he played in 18 games for Dallas, four of which came as starts. He recorded 26 tackles and one sack. 'I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream of being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys,' his agent Perzley said. '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 pan 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.
