Tragic News: What We Know
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys announced that Marshawn Kneeland, a promising defensive end, had passed away at the age of 24.
The team statement read:
“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. Our thoughts and prayers … are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
At this time, no official cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Career Overview & Background
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Kneeland was born July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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He attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, before playing college football at Western Michigan University from 2019–2023.
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In the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland was selected in the second round by the Cowboys.
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Across his NFL career (18 games over two seasons), he compiled:
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26 tackles (15 solo)
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1.0 sack
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1 fumble recovery and 1 pass deflection
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Though still early in his professional journey, Kneeland was regarded as a player with promise and upside.
Reddit & Fan Reaction
On Reddit, fans and members of the community have begun sharing their grief and memories. In the subreddit r/cowboys, one post reads:
“This season doesn’t matter. I hope this defense and team plays for their boy and his family. Just be true to themselves and each other.”
Such comments reflect the love and respect many had for him as a person and teammate.
What We Don’t Know — And Why
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Cause of death: Still undisclosed. Media reports emphasize that the cause remains unknown.
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Circumstances surrounding his passing: Beyond the team statement, no further details have been released publicly.
Given the lack of confirmed information, it’s important to avoid speculation and to wait for official updates.
Why This Matters
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The loss of a young athlete like Marshawn Kneeland is deeply felt within the NFL community and beyond — the Cowboys organisation described him as a “beloved teammate”.
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For fans, teammates, and coaches, his passing is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for those who appear at the peak of physical conditioning and potential.
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When players pass away at young ages, it raises broader questions about athlete well-being, mental and physical health, and the support structures in place — though nothing specific in Kneeland’s case has been reported.
Final Thoughts
Marshawn Kneeland’s passing is a tragic event that leaves many questions unanswered. While his life and professional career were still unfolding, he had already achieved the rare feat of making it to the NFL, showcasing talent, hard work and promise.
As of now:
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He will be remembered for his passion for the game and his presence on the field.
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His family, girlfriend, and teammates are in the thoughts of many around the football world and beyond.
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We await further official information regarding the cause of his death.
