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 but did not provide any more details.

Dallas Cowboys announced DE Marshawn Kneeland has passed away. He was 24.

Cowboys’ statement: “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…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) 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 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 tributes

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

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.

“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

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 6, 2025

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