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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Marshawn Kneeland, who appeared in 18 games with the Dallas Cowboys since his rookie NFL season in 2024, died at the age of 24 on Thursday, the team announced.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Tributes from across the sporting world began pouring in on Thursday. After a dedication ceremony at his former high school, Dak Prescott said losing Kneeland left him with a heavy heart.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott walks off the field after the team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
“It hurts. My heart is very, very heavy today,” Prescott told CBS News Texas. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend and I hurt for each of my teammates. This is a pain that is not wished on anyone.”
Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas also shared a message in honor of his late teammate.
“Brother Marshawn, I love you. I wish you knew everything was going to be okay. I wish you knew the pain wouldn’t last and that you love him. I wish you knew how much we wanted you to stay,” Thomas posted on Instagram on Friday. “My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirits every day.”
FOOTBALL COMMUNITY REACTS TO DEATH OF COWBOYS DEFENSIVE FINISH MARSHAWN KNEELAND: ‘HE WAS GONE TOO SOON’
Thomas co-founded The Defensive Line, an organization that seeks to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Frisco police said the defensive lineman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities responded after a driver reportedly evaded police during a chase. Responding officers found a crashed vehicle near the southbound lanes of a local parkway. Kneeland fled on foot, police reported.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland leaves the field after a game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Image Images)
Earlier in the day, officers reportedly arrived at Kneeland’s home for a welfare check. A police spokesperson told NFL Network that a vehicle pursuit was already underway when officers arrived at Kneeland’s apartment.
The investigation is ongoing.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland after a game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
In a statement, the NFL confirmed that support has been provided to the Cowboys during this difficult time.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Marshawn Kneeland of the Cowboys. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, his family, his friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered them support and counseling resources,” the statement said.
The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He recorded the first sack of his professional football career in a season-opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys will not take the field this weekend due to a scheduled break.
