The Dallas Cowboys announced the death of cornerback Marshawn Niland on Thursday morning. He was 24.
The club did not immediately disclose the cause of death.
“It is with great sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce that Marshawn Niland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers for Marshawn go out to his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Niland is in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University.
In seven games this season, including three starts, Niland had 12 combined tackles, a sack and a blocked punt return for a touchdown in Dallas' Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys player Marshawn Niland,” the NFL said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and teammates.”
The Cowboys have a bye week and are scheduled to play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 11.
“I watched him rise from being a promising kid at Western Michigan with dreams of becoming a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys.” Marshawn poured his heart into every frame, every practice and every moment on the field. To lose someone of his talent, spirit and kindness is a pain I can barely put into words,” Niland's agent Jonathan Perzley wrote in the magazine. statement.
“My heart goes out to his family, his teammates and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel supported by the entire football community during this unimaginable time. “I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this enormous loss.”
Niland grew up in Michigan and excelled in college. From 2019 to 2023, he had 148 tackles and 13 sacks.
