Cause Of Death Revealed! Dallas Cowboys Player Passed Away At 24

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has tragically passed away at just twenty-four years old, sending shockwaves through the NFL community and leaving teammates, fans, and loved ones heartbroken. The team confirmed the devastating news on Thursday morning, describing Kneeland as a “beloved teammate and member of our organization.” His sudden death has cast a shadow over a season that had just begun to reveal his enormous potential.

Born on October 17, 2000, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marshawn Kneeland had always been known for his quiet intensity and relentless work ethic. Those who knew him best described him as humble, driven, and deeply loyal—traits that had carried him from a small-town upbringing to the grand stage of professional football. His journey to the NFL was marked by perseverance and grit. At Western Michigan University, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most feared defensive players in the Mid-American Conference, earning praise from coaches and scouts for his leadership and explosive power on the field.

After being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Kneeland quickly established himself as a rising star. In just his second season, he had become a key part of the defensive lineup, known for his discipline, agility, and raw strength. He played with an intensity that inspired those around him, a player who gave everything—every snap, every play, every inch of effort—to the game he loved.

That’s why news of his death hit so hard. The Cowboys organization released a 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 thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family during this difficult time.”

As details emerged, the shock deepened. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland’s death was ruled a suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident followed a police pursuit late Wednesday night. Troopers had reportedly attempted to pull over a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop, leading officers on a brief chase before they lost sight of the vehicle.

Moments later, authorities found the car abandoned and crashed nearby. A search of the area led to the heartbreaking discovery—Kneeland’s body inside a portable toilet close to the scene.

The revelation stunned both the sports world and those who knew him personally. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, was among the first to confirm the news publicly. “I’m shattered,” Perzley said. “Marshawn wasn’t just my client—he was my friend, my family. He had so much ahead of him, both on and off the field.”

The tragedy came just days after one of Kneeland’s best professional performances. On Monday Night Football, he made national headlines by recovering a blocked punt in the second quarter and scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals—his first career touchdown, one that sparked an emotional celebration with his teammates. Those who watched him that night saw nothing but joy and promise. Nobody could have imagined that it would be his final game.

Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who had recently retired, expressed deep sorrow. “Marshawn was one of the toughest players I ever coached,” Zimmer said. “He played with heart, with integrity. He loved the game, and he loved his teammates. This is a devastating loss.”

The tragedy also drew the attention of local authorities. According to Plano police, officers had responded to a welfare check at Kneeland’s residence around 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night after concerns were raised by friends who had not heard from him. When officers arrived, they were unable to make contact with anyone inside. Hours later, news broke of the police pursuit and his death.

Neither the Frisco Police Department nor the Texas Department of Public Safety has released further details about what may have led up to the incident. But in the absence of answers, speculation has given way to grief—and a growing conversation about mental health in professional sports.

Inside NFL locker rooms, mental struggles are often invisible. Players are celebrated for their toughness and physical resilience, but the emotional weight of fame, pressure, and expectation often goes unnoticed. Teammates who spoke anonymously described Kneeland as “a guy who carried everything quietly.” One player said, “He never wanted to burden anyone. He smiled, joked, worked hard—but you could tell sometimes there was something heavy behind his eyes.”

For many, the tragedy has reignited calls for more mental health support for athletes. Several current and former players took to social media to express heartbreak and remind others to reach out when struggling. “Check on your people,” one wrote. “Even the ones who seem like they’ve got it all together.”

The Cowboys’ locker room, described by insiders as “somber and broken,” has been flooded with grief counselors and team support staff since the news broke. Head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly addressed the team privately Thursday morning, urging players to lean on one another. “Marshawn was part of our family,” he said, according to team sources. “We honor him by taking care of each other.”

In Grand Rapids, where Kneeland grew up, friends and former coaches gathered at his old high school to light candles and share memories. His high school coach, Don Martell, struggled to hold back tears as he spoke to reporters. “Marshawn was the kind of kid every coach dreams of having. He worked harder than anyone, but he was always kind—always looking out for younger players. You could feel his presence the second he walked into a room.”

Fans across the country have also been paying tribute. Outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, flowers, jerseys, and handwritten notes now fill a growing memorial. Many of them carry messages not just of grief, but of awareness—a reminder that even heroes can be hurting.

Though his career was brief, Marshawn Kneeland’s impact stretched far beyond the field. Teammates described him as the “glue” of the defensive unit, someone who led by example rather than words. His laughter, humility, and generosity made him a friend to everyone in the locker room.

As investigations continue, one truth remains clear: this loss runs deeper than football. Kneeland was more than an athlete—he was a son, a brother, a partner, a young man navigating the impossible pressures of fame and expectation. His death is a sobering reminder of the quiet battles too many people face alone.

The Cowboys have announced plans to honor his memory before their next home game, with players expected to wear patches bearing his number. A private memorial service will also be held for family and close friends later this week.

In the aftermath of his passing, messages continue to pour in from around the league. Former teammate Micah Parsons wrote on social media, “I wish I’d called you that night, man. I wish I’d known. Rest easy, brother.”

It’s a sentiment shared by thousands: sorrow, disbelief, and the haunting realization that even those who seem strongest can be fighting unseen wars.

Marshawn Kneeland’s story, though painfully short, will not be forgotten. He was a young man who fought his way to the top, who played with heart and honor, and who left behind a legacy far bigger than the game itself.

He was twenty-four—full of promise, full of power, and gone far too soon.