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The Dallas Cowboys announced the death of DE Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday morning at the age of 24.
Kneeland, a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2024, appeared in 11 games as a rookie and started three of his first seven games this season, recording one sack and three tackles for loss.
Perhaps the best moment of Kneeland's career came just three days before his death, when he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
Here's what you need to know about Kneeland's death and the tributes as they pour in.
Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24
The Cowboys announced Kneeland "tragically passed away this morning" on Thursday.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 6, 2025
Kneeland's agent released a statement confirming his client's death. "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," agent John Perzley said, calling the news "unimaginable."
A statement from Marshawn Kneeland’s agent Jon Perzley on the passing of his client, #Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, at the age of 24. Pic.twitter.com/NlM9aCgdje
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 6, 2025
The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement Thursday morning confirming Kneeland's death was ruled a suicide by gunshot. Police allege they attempted to stop Kneeland's car for a traffic violation late Wednesday night and were led on a pursuit before losing sight of his vehicle.
After the pursuit was called off, police say, the car was found crashed and abandoned. Police searched the area and ultimately found Kneeland's body at 1:31 a.m. CT.
Here is the official statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding the death of Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 6, 2025
The death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
*This statement is for factual informational purposes amid the spread of online rumor* https://t.co/VRQg8FiYiR pic.twitter.com/O08znaXwUQ
Plano police initially said they conducted a welfare check at Kneeland's home late Wednesday night but did not make contact with anyone. The welfare check took place more than an hour after police attempted to stop Kneeland's vehicle but about two hours before his body was found.
According to a spokesman for the Plano Police Department, officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. On Wednesday night and did not make contact with anyone at the residence.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 6, 2025
Awaiting more info from law enforcement officials. Https://t.co/VRQg8FiYiR
TMZ reported Thursday morning that Kneeland's girlfriend contacted authorities Wednesday night and told police the Cowboys defensive end was armed and said he would "end it all." Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ reveals police were in contact with the NFL, which told authorities that Kneeland was "texting his family goodbye."
The NFL said Thursday it is offering "support and counseling" to the Cowboys. Dallas is on its bye week and doesn't play again until Monday, Nov. 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Marshawn Kneeland touchdown
Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday night, when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.
Week Nine (Monday Night Football)
— NFL TD Videos (@NFLTDVids) November 4, 2025
Marshawn Kneeland Blocked Punt Return TD (1)
pic.twitter.com/gPv4Kvahxf
The punt was blocked by Sam Williams, and Kneeland was part of the scramble to prevent the ball from either being recovered by the Cardinals or going out of the back of the end zone.
Marshawn Kneeland tributes
The NFL held a moment of silence for Kneeland before Week 10's "Thursday Night Football" matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders.
A moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland. Pic.twitter.com/2lgv8Sk2mw
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2025
The NFL sent a memo to all teams that there will be a moment of silence before every Week 10 game in honor of Kneeland. There will also be a message read aloud in stadiums supporting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The NFL sent a memo to all teams Friday, asking them to hold a moment of silence Sunday as part of the pre-game ceremonies in memory of the late Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2025
The moment of silence will be followed by a message read in all NFL stadiums that says, If… pic.twitter.com/K3UYMudDhL
The NFL released a statement Thursday saying the league is "deeply saddened" by the news.
NFL Statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 6, 2025
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was at a field dedication ceremony on Thursday night, but spoke about Kneeland. Prescott's words hit home because he lost his brother to suicide in 2020.
Dak Prescott speaks publicly for the first time since learning about the passing of teammate Marshawn Kneeland. CBS Sports Texas caught up with Dak at his alma mater, Haughton High School, after a special field dedication ceremony. @CBSSportsTexas @Johnnyresendizz @BreeAldridge pic.twitter.com/o0a1WHUEri
— CBS News Texas (@CBSNewsTexas) November 7, 2025
Former Cowboys DE Mike Zimmer, who coached Kneeland in 2024, called him a "great person" who was "eager to learn."
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.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 6, 2025
“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… pic.twitter.com/K9CQIMqIv0
Cowboys S Juanyeh Thomas was one of the first of Kneeland's teammates to publicly comment on the news:
Sick my stomach, my brotha man😢🕊….
— Juanyeh Thomas (@STG_Yeh1) November 6, 2025
The NFL Players Association released a statement praising Kneeland's "immeasurable' impact on the people in his life.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 6, 2025
Western Michigan released a statement Thursday mourning Kneeland's death.
WMU statements on the death of Cowboys DL Marshawn Kneeland at age 24: pic.twitter.com/9CU8rlQ93F
— Tony Paul | Detroit News (@TonyPaul1984) November 6, 2025