Marshawn Kneeland cause of death mystery as Cowboys issue tragic 28-word statement

The Dallas Cowboys have released a tragic 28-word statement announcing the passing of second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who last played on Monday

The Dallas Cowboys have announced the tragic passing of second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland with a 28-word statement, with the NFL star’s death coming days after playing against the Arizona Cardinals.

Kneeland, 24, a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft, has seen his role increase in Dallas this year, playing seven games before his tragic death on Thursday morning. The defensive star, whose cause of death is yet to be announced, last played on Monday Night Football against the Cardinals inside AT&T Stadium, where he scored a touchdown after a blocked punt.

Kneeland’s play helped fire the Cowboys into life, with Dallas trailing the Cardinals 10-0 at the time in the second quarter. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” The Cowboys said in an official 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.”

Additionally, they added: “Kneeland, just 24 years of age, was in the middle of his second season with the team. He just scored his first career touchdown three days ago in the Monday Night loss to the Cardinals when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.

A second-round pick (56th overall) out of Western Michigan, Kneeland had played in seven of nine games this year, recording one sack and 15 tackles and six QB pressures. As a rookie in 2024, Kneeland missed six games due to injury, but still played in 11 games with one start.”

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also paid tribute to the late sophomore NFL star. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” he said.

“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.”

Kneeland’s former DC Mike Zimmer also paid tribute to the Cowboys star, telling NFL Network: “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. My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.”