Marshawn Kneeland death: Dak Prescott reacts to passing of Dallas Cowboys teammate

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning, the team announced. He was 24 years old. Later on Thursday, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reacted to the shocking news.

“Tragic loss, I hurt, heavy heart today,” Prescott said via Briana Aldrige of CBS News Texas. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend and I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody.”

The Cowboys selected Kneeland with the No. 56 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In his debut campaign in the NFL, Kneeland made 11 appearances and one start. He recorded 14 tackles, a pass deflection and a fumble recovery.

Kneeland had stepped into a larger role for the Cowboys this season. Despite missing two games due to injury, Kneeland had already made three starts.

In total, he recorded 15 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries in his seven appearances this season. Kneeland scored the Cowboys’ first touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.

The Cowboys went on to lose the game, 27-17. Along with an announcement, the Cowboys released a heartfelt statement in the wake of Kneeland’s death.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the statement read. “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 played college football at Western Michigan from 2019-23. In his final season with the program, he was named an All-MAC Second-Team selection. Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Nick Harris  reported Kneeland’s death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement on Kneeland’s cause of death.

“Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd,” the statement read. “The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.

“The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, 24 YOA, Marshawn Kneeland, of Plano, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Prescott is one of the most outspoken players in the NFL about the importance of mental health. The Cowboys have a bye this week and will have a chance to mourn the loss of their teammate. They will resume play on Nov. 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders.