Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died on Thursday morning, the team said. He was 24 years old and in his second NFL season. The Cowboys did not reveal the cause of Kneeland’s death, which came just three days after he scored his first touchdown in the NFL when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.” This was Marshawn Kneeland on Monday night — recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, living his dream. Just a few days later… he’s gone. So, so heartbreaking. ? pic.twitter.com/k4S4gh2P8y https://t.co/0YmjttsSwo — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 6, 2025 Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ revealed that Kneeland’s girlfriend and family were concerned about his wellbeing on Wednesday night after he reportedly texted them, saying “goodbye” and that he would “end it all.” Kneeland’s girlfriend also told police that Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental issues, according to the dispatch audio. Kneeland contributed in each of the team’s seven games this season, recording six total solo tackles and one sack. The Cowboys drafted Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Godwin Heights High School, where he set school records for tackles and sacks. Kneeland went on to play his entire college career at Western Michigan University and was named a second-team All-Mid-American Conference player in 2023. In his rookie season in Dallas, Kneeland recorded 17 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and had a fumble recovery, despite missing six games with a knee injury. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.” Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, added, “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.” If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

'Consequences'

Following Democrats’ sweep of key races on Tuesday night, Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he expects Republicans to be laser-focused on affordability issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Thune said that while Democrats’ strong electoral performance should be taken with a grain of salt given poor GOP candidate quality in some races, Republicans’ […]

Erica Deuso received nearly 65% of the vote