Cowboys’ Juanyeh Thomas heartbroken after DE Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24, days after first career TD

Safety Juanyeh Thomas voiced his emotion Thursday after the Dallas Cowboys confirmed that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had died.

Thomas had celebrated with his teammate just three days earlier when Kneeland, 24, scored his first NFL touchdown.

Hours after the Cowboys announced the news, Thomas turned to X to write:

“Sick my stomach, my brotha man.”

Juanyeh Thomas

@STG_Yeh1

Sick my stomach, my brotha man😢🕊….

Marshawn Kneeland did a blocked-punt recovery for a score against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.

NFL community mourns the sudden death of Marshawn Kneeland

New York Giants v Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

Tributes spread across the football world as players, coaches and former Cowboys shared their condolences with Marshawn Kneeland’s family and his girlfriend, Catalina.

Former Dallas receiver Dez Bryant wrote, “Damn RIP,” while former players Chad Johnson and Emmanuel Acho shared messages of disbelief. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky used prayer emojis to show his sympathy, and former quarterback Chase Daniel called the loss “just awful.”

Reportedly, officers found Kneeland dead early Thursday morning. It appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to multiple reports. The Collin County medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause of death.

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, released a statement saying he was “shattered” by the loss.

“Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field," Perzley said.

"To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words. 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.”

A second-round pick in the 2024 draft, Kneeland entered the league shortly after the death of his mother, Wendy. Kneeland appeared in 18 games over two seasons, producing 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack.

In a statement, the Cowboys wrote:

"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."

The NFL also reached out to the team to provide counseling resources as the Cowboys enter their Week 10 bye at 3-5-1 before facing the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 17.