Tragedy has struck the Dallas Cowboys organization. At the age of 24, defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away. The NFL came together to mourn his passing, one that shocked the entire league. Shortly after learning the news, his agent, Jonathan Perzley, put together a statement.
Marshawn Kneeland’s Agent’s Statement
Ian Rapoport shared the statement of Kneeland’s agent after the news of the Cowboys defensive end’s death.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” the statement read. “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.”
#Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at the age of 24, his agent tells The Insiders and @SlaterNFL. His statement. pic.twitter.com/9W8hEeoWbl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2025
“To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words,” Perzley continued. “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.”
Dallas Cowboys’ Statement on Kneeland’s death
Adam Schefter shared the Cowboys’ statement on Kneeland’s death. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the statement wrote. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.
Kneeland’s Former defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, also shared a message through NFL Network’s Jane Slater.
“He was a great person, eager to learn… wanted to be great,” Zimmer said. “He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard-loved playing the game. Tough. My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.”
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
Tom Pelissero shared the NFL’s statement on the Cowboys player’s death. “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 resources.”
The 24-year-old worked his way up from Western Michigan to the National Football League. In his first year with the Cowboys, he recorded 14 total tackles in 11 games played. This year, he appeared in seven games, recording 12 total tackles. According to PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, Dallas’ defense is currently the second-worst in the league.
Kneeland was well on his way to crushing the numbers he put up as a rookie. On behalf of everyone here at PFSN, our thoughts and prayers are with the Kneeland family.
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