Editor Note: We’re all still processing the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland. You can view the reported details of what happened here, and we will cover any news-worthy developments down the road if there are any. If you are struggling with any mental health issues, visit here for resources to help. We are now returning to our regular coverage of the Dallas Cowboys season.
Marshawn Kneeland passes away at age 24 – Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com
Rest in peace Marshawn Kneeland.
The Cowboys woke up Thursday morning to the worst news imaginable, learning of the tragic death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
The organization issued a statement at 8:35 a.m. on Kneeland’s passing:
“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.”
Kneeland, just 24 years of age, was in the middle of his second season with the team. He just scored his first career touchdown three days ago in the Monday Night loss to the Cardinals when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.
A second-round pick (56th overall) out of Western Michigan, Kneeland had played in seven of nine games this year, recording one sack and 15 tackles and six QB pressures.
As a rookie in 2024, Kneeland missed six games due to injury, but still played in 11 games with one start.
Those who knew Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland remember hard worker, infectious smile – Joseph Hoyt, DMN
From those who knew him.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn,” former Western Michigan coach Tim Lester, now the offensive coordinator at Iowa, said in a statement. “He was a great teammate and a joy to coach. His smile, work ethic, and heart touched so many.”
The latter part of Lester’s statement was something shared by many on Thursday. If Kneeland’s on-field trademark was his work ethic, then his off-field one was his smile. It was infectious. It was energetic.
“The first thing you think of when we first got him in the ‘24 draft, at rookie minicamp, he was immediately just a fantastic energy,” said former Cowboys special teams coach John Fassel, who spent last year with Kneeland. “You could tell there was great leadership qualities. And these aren’t things you just say after someone passes. These are things that are real and I would say about him right now if he just had a great game and was still around. He was magnetic with his personality, where he was hard-working and tough, and it was just a fantastic combination of all the right things. Which makes this honestly even more tragic, just because of the person that he was.”
“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,” his agent, Jonathan Perzley, wrote. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
Rest In Peace, Marshawn Kneeland – RJ Ochoa, Blogging the Boys
Ask 4 help.
We cover the Dallas Cowboys here at Blogging The Boys and all matters that pertain to them. Kneeland’s death is something that is going to stick with the team and all involved for some time.
Our primary focus and concern is honoring Marshawn Kneeland’s life and following the wishes of his family to give them privacy as they grieve and navigate things amid this tragedy.
We will begin moving forward with coverage of the team again while honoring Marshawn.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Please reach out for help:
- Call the National Mental Health Hotline: 988
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Our continued thoughts and prayers are with Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, family, friends, and loved ones.
Our continued thoughts and prayers are with Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, family, friends, and loved ones.
Cooper Rush calls Brian Schottenheimer right coach for Cowboys after tragedy – Randy Gurzi, SI.com
Brian Schottenheimer is the man for the job according to Cooper Rush.
It will be hard for teammates to focus on their job while dealing with the emotions, but one former Cowboy says the franchise is in good hands. Cooper Rush, who started eight games at quarterback for Dallas in 2024, said there might not be anyone better than head coach Brian Schottenheimer to lead them through this.
“With Schotty, there’s probably not another better guy for that horrible situation in that organization. He can handle that in terms of how he talks to his players and cares for them because of the people-person he is. It’s unfortunate but he is the right guy for that particular job.”
Schottenheimer was a consultant for the Cowboys in 2022 before taking over as their offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024. Rush was the backup to Dak Prescott in all three of those seasons, giving him insight on Schottenheimer.
Schottenheimer was a consultant for the Cowboys in 2022 before taking over as their offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024. Rush was the backup to Dak Prescott in all three of those seasons, giving him insight on Schottenheimer.
Mailbag: Why is the offense suddenly struggling? – Tommy Yarish, DallasCowboys.com
The offense has not been great the last two weeks. Why is that?
Tommy: I think the last two weeks, it’s been a struggle to hold up on the offensive line against the pass rush. There’s way too many guys getting to Dak Prescott and hitting him around, which is causing a good bit of the struggles. Some of Dallas’ big plays on offense come on those long-developing plays, where Prescott needs the extra half-second or so to get the ball out so he can layer it over the defense.
Cowboys add ‘electric’ edge, ‘consistent’ corner in recent 2026 mock draft – Randy Gurzi, SI.com
The Cowboys will need to focus on the defense in the 2026 NFL draft.
Pick No. 11: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
Dallas beefed up their interior, but they still need help across from Donovan Ezeiruaku. They find that in Bailey, an explosive pass rusher from Texas Tech.
“Thanks to their deadline trade with the Jets, the Cowboys now have a truly elite defensive interior, with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams,” Baumgardner wrote.
“They still need more off the edge, however. Corner could be another possibility in Round 1, but Bailey (13 sacks, 55 pressures in nine games) has been electric this season.”
Bailey has 11.5 sacks in nine games this season, and 26 in his collegiate career.
Pick No. 28, from Green Bay: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
As much as the front seven gets criticized, the secondary has been a bigger problem for Dallas. That’s why they go for Mansoor Delane from LSU with their second pick in this mock.
“The Cowboys obviously don’t have Micah Parsons anymore, so we’ll see how this new-look defensive front works out. As mentioned, though, Dallas is in great position to make serious improvements via the draft,” Baumgardner wrote.
“Delane has been one of the few consistently bright spots for LSU this year.”
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