FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have announced the tragic passing of their defensive end, Marshawn Kneeland, on Thursday morning.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the untimely loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” the Cowboys expressed in a heartfelt statement. “Marshawn was not only a cherished teammate but also an integral part of our team. Our sympathies and prayers go out to his girlfriend Catalina and his family during this difficult time.”

Kneeland was just 24 years old.

At this time, the team has not provided any information regarding the circumstances surrounding Kneeland’s death.

Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, being the 56th overall pick from Western Michigan. Notably, during Monday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, he made a significant impact by scoring the Cowboys’ first touchdown, following a blocked punt recovery in the end zone.

The Cowboys are on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to practice until Monday.

He missed two games this season due to injury and was credited with 15 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries. As a rookie, he missed six games with a knee injury and had 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, 13 quarterback pressures, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

Kneeland set records for tackles, sacks and tackles for loss at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, before attending Western Michigan. In 38 collegiate games. He had 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. He was a second-team All-Mid-American Conference pick in 2023, finishing with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in nine games.

He is the second Cowboys player to die during the season in recent years. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car crash in which teammate Josh Brent was driving.