Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland dies aged 24

Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24.

Kneeland was in his second season in the NFL when he died on Thursday morning. No cause of death was given.

‘It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,’ a statement from Dallas Cowboys read.

‘Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.’

In Kneeland’s final game on Monday night, he scored his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals.

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement: ‘I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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.’

Mike Zimmer, who coached Kneeland with the Cowboys last year, said: ‘He was a great person, eager to learn… wanted to be great.

‘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.’

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