Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland’s death at 24 years old has left the NFL community reeling. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay’s wife, Jennifer Slay, is among many mourning the Cowboys player’s death.

Jennifer shared a strong message on X after Kneeland’s death:

“Mental Health. Check on your PPL!!!!!”

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

Four days earlier, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown during a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals by picking up a blocked punt.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said Marshawn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police chase. Officers had tried to stop him for a traffic issue. His car was found crashed and empty.

The Cowboys shared a statement on the tragedy:

“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

His agent, Jonathan Perzley, said:

“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night.”

Dak Prescott’s fiancee, Sarah Jane Ramos, also posted on Instagram.

“Devastating. Please lift this family and community up with love and prayers. Rest in Peace, Marshawn,” Ramos wrote.

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb paid tribute to Kneeland via Instagram.

“You just never know, sleep well brother,” Lamb wrote.

Charlotte Jones, daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, described herself as “heartbroken with this tragic news.”

Also Read: “I’m sorry lil brother”: Micah Parsons pays tribute to Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland as DE dies at 24

Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland referenced anime to honor his late mother’s goal

Marshawn Kneeland shared a post on Instagram that included a reference to the anime, “Cyberpunk.”

The story is about a hero fighting to reach the top while trying to fulfill his mom’s dream. It is something Kneeland connected with deeply.

He added this reference on January 21, 2024 in one of the slides of an IG Carousel post that contained different pictures from his rookie season.

Kneeland’s mom, Wendy, died on February 18, 2024.

Kneeland was preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft at the Combine at the time of his mother’s death.

“It was definitely tough,” Kneeland said about Wendy’s death. “She helped me a lot when I was younger and getting into football. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL,’ and I made it.”

He also said he keeps an urn with her ashes and carries it everywhere:

“I still feel like she is there watching over me,” Kneeland said.

Marshawn Kneeland was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round on April 26, 2024.