By Chalien Dantes

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at just 24 years old, only days after celebrating his first NFL touchdown on Monday night.

The team confirmed his passing early Thursday morning, though details about what happened have not yet been released.

Kneeland, a former second-round draft pick, was selected 56th overall by Dallas in the 2024 NFL Draft after a standout career at Western Michigan. During his college years, he tallied 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks, with a breakout 2023 season that included 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

In his rookie year with the Cowboys, Kneeland appeared in 11 games and made 14 tackles. This season, he had already logged 12 tackles and a sack through seven games.

His first touchdown was highly memorable as he scooped up a blocked punt by teammate Sam Williams and fell on it in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.

Kneeland’s rising career and recent success made his sudden death all the more heartbreaking for his teammates and fans.