RM Dak Prescott Shares Heartfelt Message After Tragic Death of Teammate Marshawn Kneeland
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who had appeared in 18 games for the team since being drafted in 2024, passed away at the age of 24 on Thursday, the organization announced.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic passing this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement. “Marshawn was a cherished teammate and an integral part of our organization. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his entire family.”
Following the announcement, tributes from across the NFL poured in. During a ceremony at Kneeland’s former high school, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott spoke emotionally about the loss.
“My heart is heavy today,” Prescott told CBS News Texas. “I’m hurting for Marshawn, his family, his girlfriend, and for every one of my teammates. This kind of pain is something you wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas also honored his late teammate in a touching Instagram post.
“Brother Marshawn, I love you. I wish you knew it was going to be okay — that the pain would fade and how loved you truly are,” Thomas wrote. “I wish you knew how much we wanted you to stay. My heart is broken for you and everyone who loved you. We’ll honor your spirit every single day.”
Thomas, who co-founded The Defensive Line, a foundation dedicated to suicide prevention, has long been an advocate for mental health awareness in sports.
According to Frisco police, Kneeland died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers said the incident occurred after a police pursuit involving a vehicle that had crashed near the southbound lanes of a local parkway. Kneeland reportedly fled the scene on foot.
Earlier that day, police had performed a welfare check at Kneeland’s residence. A spokesperson later told NFL Network that the car chase was already in progress when officers arrived at his apartment. The investigation is still ongoing.
The NFL released a statement expressing its condolences and confirming that counseling and support services have been made available to the Cowboys.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the news of Marshawn Kneeland’s passing,” the league said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, his family, friends, and the entire Cowboys team. We are in contact with the organization to offer continued support and resources.”
The Cowboys drafted Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact, recording his first career sack in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
