Cowboys’ Second-Year DE Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24
Dallas, TX – November 6, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys are mourning the loss of one of their own. Second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at the age of 24, the team confirmed in a heartbreaking announcement Thursday morning.
“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,” the Cowboys said in an official statement.
Earlier reports did not disclose the cause of death, but on Thursday evening, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released an official statement detailing the tragic sequence of events that led to Kneeland’s passing:
“On November 5, 2025, at 10:33 P.M., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd. The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.
The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, deceased from a
self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 56 overall) out of Western Michigan, had quickly become one of Dallas’ most promising young defenders. Just days before his passing, he scored his
“Only two days ago, Marshawn Kneeland recovered a blocked punt and scored a touchdown… Marshawn was only 24 years and is gone way too soon.”
— MLFootball
Through the 2025 season, Kneeland appeared in seven games, recording 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries. Despite battling injuries during his rookie year, he was widely respected inside the locker room for his relentless effort and professionalism.
Kneeland’s football journey began in Wyoming, Michigan, where he starred at Godwin Heights High School, setting school records for tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. At Western Michigan
The Cowboys are currently on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to practice until Monday, giving the organization time to process the loss of a player who had quickly become a fan favorite and locker room presence.
Kneeland becomes the second Cowboys player in recent memory to pass away during the season. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown tragically died in a car crash involving teammate Josh Brent.
The NFL community has since poured out condolences online, remembering Marshawn Kneeland not just for his talent, but for his humility, energy, and devotion to the game.
Rest in peace, Marshawn Kneeland — forever a Cowboy.
Chiefs Reunite With Fan-Favorite DT & Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Just 8 Hours After Jaguars Release
Kansas City entered Week 11 focused on rebuilding momentum, and an unexpected roster chance arrived quickly. Immediately after their bye week, the Chiefs recognized a potential defensive boost emerging from another team’s sudden decision.
Jacksonville announced a surprise defensive tackle release Thursday morning, stirring interest around the league. For Kansas City, still searching for steadier interior play, the timing created an opening too meaningful to ignore during a tightening playoff race.
The Chiefs acted with urgency, reassessing whether a familiar figure could revitalize their interior depth. With postseason pressure building, Kansas City quickly reconsidered a player who previously excelled within Steve Spagnuolo’s complex defensive structure.
Khalen Saunders entered waivers early Thursday, available only briefly before the Chiefs moved decisively. His return just eight hours later restores a beloved presence to a locker room that once embraced his championship impact.
He previously spent four seasons in Kansas City, appearing in thirty-eight games and providing energy, strength, and reliability. Those traits made him an appealing midseason option for a defense needing trusted rotational contributions right away.
His path since leaving Kansas City included meaningful snaps in New Orleans and a short-lived Jacksonville tenure. Limited opportunities and fit concerns led to his release, creating the opportunity that allowed Kansas City to respond quickly.
Despite limited usage this year, Saunders maintains steady pressure numbers historically. That consistency gives the Chiefs a stabilizing force, particularly valuable as their interior front navigates uneven production and ongoing attempts to regain dominance.
Andy Reid noted that improvement must come from the entire defense, not solely its biggest star enduring constant double teams. Saunders’ professionalism, familiarity, and effort align perfectly with Kansas City’s expectations entering the season’s defining stretch.
The Chiefs’ interior group—Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Jerry Tillery—needed reinforcement. Saunders provides depth without disrupting chemistry, supplying immediate rotational support while complementing long-term adjustments across the defensive front.
With playoff urgency rising and divisional matchups ahead, the Chiefs hope Saunders’ return delivers renewed momentum. The rapid eight-hour reunion symbolizes Kansas City’s determination, resourcefulness, and belief that trusted veterans can spark meaningful late-season surges.
