The death of Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland Thursday shocked the NFL community and devastated his family, as it grapples with the sudden loss of the 24-year-old Michigan native.

Nicole Kneeland-Woods released a statement on behalf of Kneeland’s family Thursday via social media, remembering the Godwin Heights High School and Western Michigan University graduate as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend.

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” Kneeland-Woods wrote. “As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend. He was kind, determined,

See Full Page