Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, the team announced.
He was in his second NFL season.
The Dallas Cowboys wrote in a statement: "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 organisation. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement: "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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. 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.
"I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."
Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24
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The NFL said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates.
"We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counselling resources."
The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan.
The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
He was in his second NFL season, scoring his first touchdown just days ago against the Cardinals
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Just days before his death, he scored his first career NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt during a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
In 18 games played, the defensive lineman had 26 tackles, four QB hits, and one sack.
The Cowboys are on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to practice until Monday.
His 2024 rookie campaign was off to a promising start before being sidelined for five games by a knee injury.
Kneeland had his first career sack in this year's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles
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Kneeland had his first career sack in this year's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and played in seven of the Cowboys' nine games this year.
Kneeland was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended high school in Wyoming, Michigan.
Tributes have continued to pour in from around the world of sports.
He is the second Cowboys player to die during the season in recent years, after linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car crash in which team-mate Josh Brent was driving in 2012.