The sports world is reeling after the sudden and tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. The 24-year-old athlete died from a likely self-inflicted gunshot wound on Wednesday, just two days after scoring his first NFL touchdown on “Monday Night Football.” Now, his heartbroken family is speaking out for the first time, remembering the young star as a loving son, brother, and friend.
Family Issues Emotional Statement on Marshawn Kneeland’s Death
Marshawn’s relative, Nicole Kneeland-Woods, shared a powerful statement on behalf of the Kneeland family via Facebook on Thursday, November 6.
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” Nicole wrote. “As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.”
Nicole continued, “He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
She concluded the post by thanking fans and the football community for their love and support. “During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
Authorities said Kneeland died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police pursuit north of Dallas. According to a statement shared with People, the Grand Rapids, Michigan, native crashed his vehicle in Frisco, just minutes from the Cowboys’ headquarters. Troopers later found him near the wreck in the early hours of November 6.
Cowboys, Teammates, and NFL Community Pay Tribute
The Dallas Cowboys confirmed Kneeland’s death Thursday morning, writing, “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.”
“Tragic loss, I hurt, heavy heavy heart today,” Cowboys QB Dak Prescott told reporters later that day. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody. You wish none of us had to go through this.”
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL shared. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and his teammates.”
Former Cowboys defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence, now with the Seattle Seahawks, also shared his grief: “It’s tough to lose a brother in a situation like this. So, I want to send my condolences, my love, and my prayers.”
Running back Rico Dowdle, currently with the Carolina Panthers, added, “Definitely shocking. Death is not easy for anyone. Keep him and the Cowboys organization in your prayers.”
NFL legend and CBS analyst JJ Watt also weighed in, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Difficult to process the horrible news out of Dallas. Just tragic. RIP Marshawn Kneeland.”
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The post Marshawn Kneeland’s Family Speaks After Tragic Death: ‘We Are Devastated,’ As Tributes Continue to Pour In appeared first on Heavy Sports.