The sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland reverberated through the Ravens’ locker room, where several players who once shared a sideline with him remembered a joyful, hardworking teammate.
Kneeland, a second-year player who scored his first NFL touchdown this past weekend, died early Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing his vehicle following a police chase, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was 24.
The Cowboys, NFL and Kneeland’s family issued statements confirming his death.
Ravens cornerback Amani Oruwariye, a member of the Cowboys in 2024, said he first learned of the news via group text messages with former teammates. He spent much of Thursday reaching out to teammates and former coaches.
“We crossed paths a lot, obviously being on defense. Marshawn always brought good energy,” Oruwariye recalled. “He loved to laugh, he always was a guy that loved to laugh, loved to just live life, always cracking jokes at the facility. It came as a shock to me. But it just goes to show you never know what somebody is going through even if they have a smile on their face, you never know what they’re dealing with deep inside.
“I just want to reach out and check in on guys and tell them I love them.”
Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 draft out of Western Michigan, where he was college teammates with Ravens rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone.
Kone, a 2025 sixth-round pick by Baltimore, published on X: “Rip brother you was a big figure to me more then a teammate more then a brother you was hope! helped my dreams come to true seeing you make it. Can’t wait to make you proud to play through your energy
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Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush spent seven the past seven seasons in Dallas before he joined Baltimore in free agency this past offseason. Rush remembered Kneeland as a rookie who quickly earned the respect of veterans. Kneeland logged one tackle of Ravens running back Rasheen Ali during an Aug. 15 exhibition involving the Ravens and Cowboys.
“Marshawn always came off as a very mature, hard worker,” Rush said. “He was solid in the way he played with how hard he played. He was a really good guy with a good head on his shoulders. That’s why it’s just so sad because you never know what someone is going through, that’s the tragic part about all of it.”
Rush also noted the importance of Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and how the organization will now navigate the days ahead as teammates and coaches process Kneeland’s death.
Said Rush: “With coach Schottie, there’s probably not another better guy for that horrible situation in that organization. He can handle that in terms of how he talks to his players and cares for them because of the people-person he is. It’s unfortunate but he is the right guy for that particular job.”
The NFLPA on Thursday issued a statement: “The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community. We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved ones.
“To our player members, please remember navigating grief can be difficult. Lean on one another and take care of your well-being. We encourage you to reach out to use for wellness support or use the NFL Life Line.”
Ravens outside linebacker Carl Lawson, who shared a meeting room with Kneeland last season in Dallas, struggled to describe the pain of losing someone he saw regularly.
“He was always full of life,” Lawson said. “It’s a shame. He was very happy when I was with him.”
Added Oruwariye: “Mental health is very important. You just never know what somebody is going through. Obviously this is a sport we’re blessed to play and we get compensated pretty well, but at the same time, sometimes fans don’t realize it’s just a game and there’s much more life to live outside of this game. I would encourage fans to use this tragedy or whatever situation they want to use as a reminder that we’re humans as well, regardless of the outcome of the games. So just check on your family. Check on your people.”
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