Dallas Cowboys Mourn the Devastating Loss of Rookie Marshawn Kneeland at 24
A number of Dallas Cowboys players are expressing sorrow over the unexpected passing of Marshawn Kneeland, who was 24 years old.
“Love you brother,” stated cornerback Josh Butler on his Instagram Stories on Friday, November 8, accompanying a picture of Kneeland’s locker with JMSN’s track “Love Me.”
The image revealed four distinct flower arrangements placed on the rookie defensive end’s leather chair within the locker room.
Reports emerged on Thursday, November 6, confirming Kneeland's death was a suicide.
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“With profound sorrow, the Dallas Cowboys announce the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland this morning,” the NFL franchise declared in an official release. “Marshawn was a cherished colleague and part of our team. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for Marshawn are extended to his girlfriend, Catalina, and his relatives.”
Kneeland, having achieved his inaugural career touchdown mere days prior to his demise, also received tributes from his representative, Jonathan Perzley.
“I am devastated to verify that Marshawn Kneeland, my client and closest friend, passed away yesterday evening,” Perzley expressed in his individual Thursday announcement. “I witnessed his journey from an aspiring young man at Western Michigan with a goal to becoming a respected player for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn dedicated himself wholeheartedly to every play, every training session, and every second on the gridiron. To lose an individual possessing his skill, character, and kindness is a grief I struggle to articulate.”
He added, “My sincere condolences go out to his family, his fellow players, and all who cared for him, and I trust they will feel the collective backing of the whole football world during this distressing period. I respectfully request that you afford his dear ones the discretion and empathy required as they process this immense tragedy.”
Kneeland leaves behind his father, his three brothers and sisters, and his partner. His mother passed away prior to him, from an unspecified ailment in February 2024.
“The Kneeland family verifies the sorrowful information regarding the death of our cherished Marshawn Kneeland,” an official Facebook post stated. “We are profoundly affected by this enormous void and are still comprehending the extent of our sorrow. While Marshawn was establishing his presence on the football field for the Dallas Cowboys, he occupied an even more significant role away from the game — as a dedicated son, sibling, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and companion.”
His family members further expressed, “He possessed a kind, resolute, modest, and loving nature. His presence illuminated every person he encountered, and his essence will persist through the innumerable individuals he motivated. We are immensely thankful for the abundance of affection and assistance received from acquaintances, supporters, and the public. During this trying period, we request solitude as we gather as a family to commemorate and uphold Marshawn’s existence and enduring influence.”
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Butler, aged 28, is one of the Cowboys players who have offered their sympathies and homage to Kneeland.
“Today has been extremely difficult. I learned the news early this morning,” quarterback Dak Prescott shared with CBS Sports on Thursday. “I feel pain. My heart is very heavy today. I grieve for Marshawn, I grieve for his family. I grieve for his girlfriend, I grieve for each and every one of my teammates. This is a sorrow no one should experience. You wish none of us had to endure this. You wish Marshawn had not faced what he did.”
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