Marshawn Kneeland was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League. He played college football for the Western Michigan Broncos, earning second-team all-conference honors in the Mid-American Conference in 2023.
Born: July 8, 2001, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Died: November 6, 2025 (age 24 years), Frisco, Texas, United States
Number: 94 (Dallas Cowboys / Defensive end)
Education: Western Michigan University
Position: Defensive end
Date joined: 2024 (Dallas Cowboys)
Dak Prescott speaks publicly for the first time since learning about the passing of teammate Marshawn Kneeland. CBS Sports Texas caught up with Dak at his alma mater, Haughton High School, after a special field dedication ceremony.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is mourning the heartbreaking loss of his teammate, Marshawn Kneeland.
On the evening of Thursday, November 6, just hours after news broke that the 24-year-old Cowboys defensive end had tragically passed away, Prescott, 32, opened up in an emotional interview with CBS Sports Texas.
“It’s devastating,” Prescott said. “Marshawn wasn’t just a teammate — he was like a little brother to all of us. His energy, his work ethic, the way he carried himself every day — it inspired the entire locker room.”
Prescott went on to share how deeply the team is feeling the loss. “This one hurts. We lost a great player and an even better person. Our prayers are with his family and everyone who loved him.”
The Cowboys organization also released a statement expressing their condolences, describing Kneeland as “a rising talent with an infectious spirit who embodied what it means to be a Cowboy.”
Kneeland, who joined the Cowboys earlier this season, had quickly earned respect for his relentless drive and team-first attitude. His sudden passing has left the NFL community in shock, with players and fans sharing tributes across social media.
As the Cowboys prepare for their next game, the team says they plan to honor Marshawn Kneeland’s memory both on and off the field — a reminder that in football, family extends far beyond the game.
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb posted a tribute to his Instagram Stories, adding, “you just never know, Sleep well brada.” His next story was a video of University of Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule discussing the importance of mental health.
Kneeland died just two nights after he recovered a blocked punt and returned it for a Cowboys touchdown during Monday Night Football.
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