The NFL community continues to mourn the loss of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, whose sudden death has sent shockwaves through both the team and fans nationwide. Now, heartbreaking new details have emerged — revealing that Kneeland sent a series of “concerning and emotional” text messages to friends and teammates in the hours before his passing.
According to team insiders, the messages were “unsettling” and hinted at deep emotional turmoil. One teammate, speaking under anonymity, said,
“He wasn’t himself that day. The texts didn’t sound like Marshawn — they sounded like someone in pain.”
The 23-year-old rookie, known for his relentless energy, humility, and devotion to his teammates, had recently become a fan favorite in Dallas. Off the field, Kneeland was beloved for his charity work and his commitment to youth outreach, often saying that he wanted “to give kids the chances I never had.”
His death has left a deep void in the Cowboys locker room. Team owner Jerry Jones released a brief statement on Monday, calling Kneeland “a light in this organization whose impact extended far beyond football.”
“We lost not just a player, but a brother — a young man with limitless potential,” Jones said.
The Cowboys have reportedly provided grief counselors for players and staff, while the NFL Players Association has also reached out to offer support.
Several of Kneeland’s teammates have spoken publicly about the tragedy, including quarterback Dak Prescott, who grew emotional when discussing his friend.
“You never really know what someone’s going through,” Prescott said. “He always smiled, always brought energy. We just wish we could’ve seen the signs.”
Authorities have not released an official cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing. However, those close to the situation say there is growing concern that Kneeland had been quietly battling depression in recent months — a struggle he may have hidden behind his trademark positivity.
The Cowboys plan to honor Kneeland in their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a helmet decal featuring his number, #94, and a pregame tribute video.
In the wake of this tragedy, fans and players alike have rallied around the message Kneeland lived by: “Be kind, stay strong, and never stop fighting.”
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