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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Marshawn Nilandwho appeared in 18 games for the Dallas Cowboys since his 2024 NFL rookie season, died Thursday at age 24, the team announced.
“It is with great sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce that Marshawn Niland tragically passed away this morning,” the team 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.”
On Thursday, tributes began pouring in from across the sports world. After the dedication ceremony at his former high school Dak Prescott said losing Niland left him with a heavy heart.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott walks off the field after the team's game against the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, September 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
“I'm in pain. It’s a heavy, heavy heart today,” Prescott. told CBS News Texas. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, and I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is pain that you wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas also shared a message in honor of his late teammate.
“Brother Marshawn, I love you. I'd like you to know that everything will be okay. I would like you to know that the pain will not last long and how loved you are. I'd like you to know how much we want you to stay,” Thomas wrote on Instagram Friday. “My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirits every day.”
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Thomas co-founded The Defensive Line, an organization that strives to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Frisco police said the defensive lineman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities responded after the driver reportedly evaded police during a pursuit. Officers arrived on scene to find a vehicle crashed near the southbound lanes of a local parkway. Niland fled on foot, police said.
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Marshawn Niland walks off the field after a game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Imagn Images)
Earlier in the day, officers reportedly responded to Niland's home for a welfare check. A police spokesman told the NFL Network that by the time officers reached Niland's apartment, the chase was already underway.
The investigation is ongoing.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Niland after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
In a statement, the NFL confirmed that support has been provided to the Cowboys during this difficult time.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Marshawn Niland of the Cowboys. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and teammates. We remained in contact with the Cowboys and offered support and consulting resources.” the statement says.
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The Cowboys selected Niland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He recorded the first sack of his professional football career in the season-opening game against Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys will not take the field this weekend due to their scheduled bye.
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