bv. Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland Passes Away at 24, Steelers WR Shocked by Loss of College Friend
The NFL community is mourning the tragic passing of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who was found dead late Wednesday night in Texas at just 24 years old.
According to reports from TMZ Sports, Kneeland sent messages to his family and girlfriend before taking his own life in what officials described as a mental health-related incident.
Authorities stated that Kneeland was involved in a pursuit following a traffic stop attempt before his car was found crashed on the Dallas Parkway. Police later discovered his body nearby with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Cowboys released a heartfelt statement on Thursday morning:
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marshawn’s girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, also shared an emotional message:
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream of being a respected professional for the Cowboys. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
Kneeland’s passing sent shockwaves through the league — but nowhere did it hit harder than in Pittsburgh. Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson, who was Kneeland’s close friend and former college teammate at Western Michigan, was reportedly devastated after hearing the news.
“Marshawn wasn’t just a teammate — he was family,” Wilson said. “We shared dorm rooms, workouts, and dreams of making it here. He was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known, and this world feels emptier without him. I just wish I could’ve told him one more time how proud I was of him.”
Wilson’s teammates and coaches have rallied around him for emotional support in the days since. Both the Steelers and Cowboys are expected to honor Kneeland with a pregame tribute this weekend, as players across the NFL continue to speak out about mental health awareness and supporting one another beyond the field.
