Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24.
The football star had scored the first touchdown of his career against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night (November 3).
He made a big play by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone, helping the Cowboys close the gap in the second quarter.
His NFL team confirmed the news of Kneeland's sudden passing in a statement shared on Thursday (November 6).
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"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the team said.
"Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Kneeland, a defensive lineman from Western Michigan, was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Across 18 games - including four as a starter - he recorded 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, said he was 'shattered' to confirm news of Kneeland's death.
"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," he said.
"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."
Perzley continued: "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."
In its own statement, the NFL said it was 'deeply saddened by the tragic news', adding: "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," the statement concluded.
Kneeland's cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
It is the second tragedy in as many years to strike Kneeland's family.
Last February, two months before the NFL draft, Kneeland unexpectedly lost his mom Wendy to an undisclosed illness.
He told WZZM 13 of the 'tough' time: "I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it." He continued: "She’s still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me."
The Dallas Cowboys are currently on their bye week, where players and coaches have time to rest up.
They resume playing on November 17 when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ellie Kemp