HEARTBREAKING: Packers star Micah Parsons breaks down after learning of former Cowboys teammate Marshawn Kneeland’s sudden death at age 24 — just days after his first NFL touchdown, the reason Kneeland’s sudden death has left the entire NFL in grief…
The entire NFL is reeling in sorrow as news broke of the sudden death of Marshawn Kneeland, the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end, on the morning of November 6, 2025. Kneeland was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit, just days after scoring his first career touchdown.
Micah Parsons, the Packers star and Kneeland’s former Cowboys teammate in 2024, broke down upon hearing the news. He called Kneeland his “lil brother” and posted on Instagram: “I’m sorry lil brother, I hope you find peace” with a broken heart emoji, leaving fans deeply moved.
Kneeland’s passing came just three days after the game against the Arizona Cardinals, where he recovered a blocked punt for his first touchdown. What was the happiest moment of his career has now become a painful memory for teammates and family.
According to Frisco, Texas police, Kneeland refused to stop for a traffic violation, leading to a short chase, a crash, and him fleeing on foot. His body was discovered at 1:31 a.m. with a self-inflicted wound, and the investigation is ongoing.
Packers star Micah Parsons breaks down after learning of former Cowboys teammate Marshawn Kneeland’s sudden death at age 24 — just days after his first NFL touchdown, the reason Kneeland’s sudden death has left the entire NFL in grief… pic.twitter.com/udigU2LqJa
— Adam Schefler (@ScheflerAdamUs) November 7, 2025
Parsons, traded to the Packers this season, once praised Kneeland for having “unteachable characteristics” like a young Cam Jordan. He treated him like a little brother and often mentored him in defensive line meetings last year.
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement: “We are heartbroken over the passing of Marshawn Kneeland this morning. He was a beloved teammate. Our prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.” The team is on a bye week, but grief hangs heavy.
Agent Jonathan Perzley was “shattered,” saying: “I lost my best friend. Marshawn fought from a kid at Western Michigan to a pro with the Cowboys, giving everything on every play.”
The reason Kneeland’s death has shaken the NFL is that he lost his mother in 2024 and wore her ashes in a necklace. Many fear personal pain and pressure pushed him to the edge, serving as a stark reminder of mental health struggles among athletes.
