NFL midseason superlatives: The biggest busts so far
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca dish out which players, coaches, and teams have been the biggest letdowns so far.
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died in the early morning hours Thursday, Nov. 6, according to the team and Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley.
There was no immediate cause of death.
Kneeland scored a touchdown on Monday Night Football, recovering a second-quarter blocked punt in the end zone, just three days earlier in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals at Arlington, Texas. He was 24.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” reads Perzley’s statement. “I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn 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.
“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.”
The Cowboys are off this weekend and return to play the Las Vegas Raiders on the road Monday, Nov. 17.
The team issued this statement: “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 selected Kneeland in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft from Western Michigan.
Kneeland played in 18 NFL games, making 26 tackles.
The NFL said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
