Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died at age 24 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the team confirmed Friday. Quarterback Dak Prescott expressed deep grief for Kneeland, his family, and teammates during an emotional press conference. The tragedy comes just days after Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown.
The Dallas Cowboys are reeling from the tragic loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died Thursday at the age of 24 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police reports. Kneeland, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, had appeared in eight games this season, recording 12 tackles and one sack. His most memorable moment came in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown -- his first score in the NFL.
Kneeland's death has left the Cowboys organization in mourning during their bye week. Quarterback Dak Prescott, speaking at a high school ceremony in his hometown of Haughton, Louisiana, where the football field was renamed in his honor, shared his heartbreak. 'It's been a very tough day,' Prescott said. 'I hurt for Marshawn. I hurt for his family. I hurt for his girlfriend. I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don't wish upon anybody.'
Prescott, who has been open about his own struggles with mental health following his brother Jace's suicide in 2020, emphasized the importance of support. 'It's okay to feel however you're feeling,' he added. 'I'll tell you first and foremost, I don't always have the answers.' The team held a Zoom call Thursday to console one another, and Prescott plans to express his feelings directly to teammates when they reconvene.
Kneeland's passing adds to a difficult week for the NFL, which has seen other off-field tragedies. The Cowboys, currently 4-5 and fighting for a playoff spot in the NFC East, will return to practice next week ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.