The Dallas Cowboys and NFL announced on Wednesday, November 6, the tragic news that 24-year-old defender Marshawn Kneeland has died. No cause of death for Kneeland as been revealed yet.
The budding NFL star was survived by his girlfriend, Catalina, according to the official statement from the team. The team also mentioned Kneeland’s family in the post.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys’ statement 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.”
Marshawn Kneeland Just Came Off a Big Game for the Dallas Cowboys
Kneeland was coming off his first career touchdown for the Dallas Cowboys, which he scored during the team’s Monday loss to the Arizona Cardinals, when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone. He was also in his second season with the team.
GettyElijah Higgins #84 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes ahead of Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 03, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, hailing from Western Michigan, as the No. 56 overall pick. According to NFL research, Kneeland has posted 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack during his two seasons with the franchise. Kneeland had played in seven of nine games this season. He also appeared in 11 games during his rookie season, which is impressive for a rookie.
Kneeland also suffered a family tragedy in 2024, just months before he was picked by the Cowboys, when he lost his mother, Wendy Kneeland, according to the Dallas News. According to the outlet, he carried “the ashes of his mother, Wendy, in a vertically shaped urn, no bigger than 2 inches, on a chain around his neck.”
He told the outlet at the time, “It was definitely tough. I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream.”
He added, “I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it. It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process]. She’s still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”
Marshawn Kneeland’s Death Is ‘Unimaginable’
Kneeland’s agent gave a statement to TMZ after the news broke. In it, he says that he was “shattered” and talked about Kneeland’s family.
“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,” the statement from Jonathan Perzley provided to TMZ said. “I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
On social media, Kneeland kept a low profile, but he did share football highlights and the occasional personal photo. His most recent post was a photo of him walking into the Cowboys’ facility, with the caption, “Knew I was a trench baby, the way I had their mob psycho.”
Commenters were quick to offer their condolences to Kneeland. “Not gone show fake love because I’m not a cowboys fan but I hate seeing young people pass away god bless you and your family,” one said on the Instagram post. “Not a Dallas fan, but still have love for the game and what it takes to even make the league. God bless your soul and your family,” another commented. One more stated, “Rest easy man. Crazy that it was Monday night he scored a punt block touchdown.”
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