READ MORE: \ufeff<\/strong>'I don't': Lyon claps back at Waugh's selection swipe<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Jockey's protests fail in bizarre Oaks Day drama<\/strong><\/a>\ufeff<\/p>\n Kneeland's death came just days after he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.<\/p>\n Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024 second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan.<\/p>\n \u201cI am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,\u201d Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement that asked for privacy. \u201cMarshawn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n "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."<\/p>\n Kneeland's rookie season was off to a promising start before he was sidelined for five games by a knee injury.<\/p>\n Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this year against Philadelphia. He played in seven games this season, missing two with an ankle injury.<\/p>\n \u201cMarshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,\u201d the Cowboys said. \u201cOur thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cowboys have frequently sought pass rushers and other defensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft. Kneeland was drafted a year after defensive end Sam Williams was taken by Dallas in the second round. Williams blocked the punt that Kneeland recovered against the Cardinals.<\/p>\n Kneeland\u2019s mother, Wendy Kneeland, died suddenly while he was preparing for the draft. He had his mother\u2019s ashes in a necklace he wore after joining the Cowboys, according to The Dallas Morning News.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys\u2019 Marshawn Kneeland,\u201d the NFL said. \u201cWe have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.\u201d<\/p>\n Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who had the same position with the Cowboys when Kneeland was a rookie last year, had tears in his eyes as he met with reporters.<\/p>\n \u201cWe spent a lot of time (together) when he was injured and working out in the weight room,\u201d Prince said. \u201cWe\u2019d shoot the breeze. He was a Western Michigan kid and I coached with the Lions for a while so we had some Michigan-type stories. Good kid. I\u2019m sorry to hear that about him.\u201d<\/p>\n Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles along with 4 1\/2 sacks in nine games as a senior at Western Michigan.<\/p>\n \u201cMy heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,\u201d Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said. \u201cHis leadership, energy and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football.\u201d<\/p>\n Tributes poured in from around the NFL, including Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who raised the topic of suicide awareness with a reporter during training camp this year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sucks seeing the news of our NFL brother!\u201d Simmons wrote on X. \u201cEven when someone is carrying the biggest smile, make sure to just check in on them. You just never know man. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help, we all go through things that we sometimes hide!\u201d<\/p>\n Two of Kneeland's Dallas teammates, quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, had siblings who died by suicide and have foundations supporting suicide awareness and prevention. Thomas' sister, Ella, was the same age as Kneeland.<\/p>\n \u00a0If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via<\/strong> lifeline.org.au<\/strong><\/a>. In an emergency, call 000<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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