The Dallas Cowboys have confirmed that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died on Thursday morning. He was 24 years old.
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"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the team said in a 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."
Neither the team nor Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, provided a cause of death.
"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," Perzley wrote in a statement, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. "I watched him fight his way as a hopeful kid from Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional with 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."
A second-round pick out of Western Michigan, Kneeland joined the Cowboys last season. He appeared in 11 games as a rookie, starting one, while registering 14 combined tackles and three quarterback hits. He also registered a pass defensed.
This season, Kneeland started three of the seven games in which he appeared. He posted 12 combined tackles, one quarterback hit, and his first career sack. He also scored his first career touchdown during the 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He recovered a blocked punt in the end zone during the second quarter.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland," the NFL said in a statement.
"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 resources."
