RIP Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, Tragically Passed Away at 24 Years Old, Days After Scoring His First NFL TD

Unbelievably sad. Marshawn Kneeland was in the prime of his life. In the second season of his NFL career. A second round pick out of a Western Michigan in 2024. A proud representative of the MAC. He dominated the MAC.

Marshawn Kneeland was just starting to make a name for himself in the NFL. Literally 3 days ago, he scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football vs the Arizona Cardinals off a blocked punt.

Marshawn Kneeland's ex-defensive coordinator, and long-time NFL head coach Mike Zimmer had this to say, “He was a great person, eager to learn… wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard. Loved playing the game. My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.”

Statement from the Cowboys organization: “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.”

By all accounts, Marshawn Kneeland was a great guy. A hard-worker. An awesome teammate. Watching this video of him on draft night, knowing this wasn't even 2 years ago, is heartbreaking.

But at the same time amazing. In 24 short years, Marshawn Kneeland lived a life, and experienced things most people could only ever dream of. 

Just horrible. It's hard to even wrap your mind around. How someone can score a touchdown on Monday Night Football, and pass away just a few days later. It's beyond tragic, yet a heck of a way to go out. It's another all too frequent reminder of how quickly life can come to an end. To take nothing for granted. All the cliches people say when someone passes to soon, but sound hollow when you type out because there really are no words that do a situation like this justice. Just tell your friends and family that you love them. Tomorrow is never promised.

Update: The Frisco Texas Police Department has since released this statement regarding Marshawn Kneeland's death. 

Awful. Even when it appears that somebody has everything in life going for them, you never know what's actually going on in their head. Don't be afraid to check on your friends and loved ones. RIP Marshawn Kneeland. He lived an impressive 24 years of life.