Dallas Cowboy Defensive End Tragically Passes Away

ARLINGTON, TX— A Dallas Cowboy defensive end has tragically passed away.

Marshawn Kneeland, a second-year defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has passed away at the age of 24 according to his agent Jonathan Perzley.

Perzley said in a statement:

I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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 was the Cowboy’s 2nd-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Against the Arizona Cardinals on November 3, 2025, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt in the endzone for his first NFL touchdown.

No cause of death has been released.