Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, according to reports.
As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the defensive end tragically passed away on Thursday morning.
The outlet shared a statement from the Cowboys, confirming: "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning.
"Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
No cause of death has currently been shared.
Kneeland was the Cowboys’ second-round pick from Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL draft and played 18 games in almost two seasons with the team, compiling four starts, 26 tackles and one sack.
In his final game, he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Kneeland, who was from Grand Rapids, Michigan, tragically lost his mother, Wendy Kneeland while he was preparing for the NFL draft.
Speaking about his mother's death after being drafted, Kneeland said: "It was definitely tough. I just managed it.
"She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it.”
After being drafted, Kneeland wore his mother's ashes on a necklace in tribute.
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement as reported by NFL.com: "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.
"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."
The NFL added in a statement: "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."
Our thoughts go out to Kneeland's family, friends, and fans at this devastating time.