• Dallas Cowboys defensive player Marshawn Kneeland died at the age of 24.
• Kneeland was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
• His death is being investigated as apparently self-inflicted.
• He scored his first career touchdown just days before his passing.
• The Cowboys and NFL have expressed deep sorrow over his loss.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, according to team officials. He was a second-round pick from Western Michigan, having played 18 games and scored his first career touchdown just days prior to his passing during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, where he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed yet, according to abcnews and bbc.

According to police in Frisco, Texas, Kneeland's death appears to be a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Earlier that evening, law enforcement had pursued Kneeland's vehicle after he refused to stop for a traffic violation. Kneeland's family confirmed their grief, acknowledging his kind nature and ambition both on and off the field, as reported by latimes and aljazeera.

The tragedy occurred during a heightened period of the NFL season for Kneeland, who had recently returned to form after battling injuries in his rookie season. The Cowboys released a statement expressing their sorrow, calling Kneeland a "beloved teammate" and extending thoughts to his family and girlfriend, Catalina, highlighting the impact he had made on the team, according to reuters and sfgate.