The Dallas Cowboys surprised the NFL world on Wednesday, November 6, 2025, by announcing the death of 24-year-old defender Marshawn Kneeland, a key player who was part of the team’s defensive rotation. The cause of death for Kneeland has yet to be revealed.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland was a highly touted prospect after a standout college career at Western Michigan. The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft with the No. 56 overall pick.
Prior to His Death, Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland Was in Just His 2nd NFL Season
The Cowboys defender was in just his second NFL season appearing in seven games, including three starts in 2025. Kneeland also played in 11 games during his rookie season.
The defensive end was already on track to top his rookie campaign’s production. Kneeland posted 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack during his two seasons with the Cowboys.
Reaction to the tragedy from fans, players and media members has been pouring in on social media. Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer praised Kneeland noting he “wanted to be great.”
“As coaches, players and fans react to the shocking news this morning of Marshawn Kneeland’s death, a note from his former DC Mike Zimmer to me,” NFL Network’s Jane Slater revealed in a November 6, message on X.
“’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. Tough.’ Zimmer added ‘My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.’”
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer on Marshawn Kneeland: ‘He Is the Same Guy Each & Every Single Day’
It is stunning news as the Cowboys are in the midst of a bye week. Earlier this season, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Kneeland for his consistency.
“Same guy every day,” Schottenheimer noted in September, per USA Today. “The guy that the world saw run around on that football field and play physical and get the sack and chase things down. And he had a great strip attempt on Saquon that didn’t come out.
“He is the same guy each and every single day. The consistency is what jumps off the film even at someone like myself that’s around them every day.”
Marshawn Kneeland Started 3 Games for the Cowboys in 2025
Heading into the season, Kneeland was bullish about his growth following his first NFL offseason. Kneeland’s preparation already showed with the growth displayed on the field in his second season, earning three starts.
“Just being able to come in, obviously understanding the game, and being able to develop and not have to worry about all the things that come with being a rookie,” Kneeland told DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker in August. “Shoot, just being able to focus on football, and fully focus on football, I think is a huge thing, compared to this time last year.”
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