Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Found Dead

CONTENT WARNING: The following article mentions suicide.

Authorities in a Dallas suburb reported that Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was discovered dead in what appears to be a suicide. This tragic incident unfolded after Kneeland attempted to evade law enforcement in his vehicle and fled the scene of a crash on foot.

Frisco police disclosed on Thursday that they are conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Kneeland’s death. The incident transpired when Kneeland failed to pull over for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during a pursuit that involved Frisco police on Wednesday evening.

Following the crash of Kneeland’s vehicle, law enforcement lost visual contact before locating the wrecked car a few minutes later. As the search ensued for Kneeland who had fled the accident site on foot, officers were informed that he might be contemplating suicide.

During the search operation, a dispatcher relayed to officers that acquaintances of Kneeland had received a farewell text message from him, expressing concerns for his well-being. The dispatcher also mentioned that Kneeland’s girlfriend had alerted them about his possession of a firearm and history of mental health issues, stating, “He will end it all.”

Kneeland was tragically found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, approximately three hours after the crash. Police did not disclose the specific location where Kneeland’s body was discovered. According to recordings from Broadcastify, officers attempted to contact Kneeland via calls and texts, and even employed a drone in their efforts to locate him following the crash.

Kneeland’s passing occurred shortly after his notable performance, recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, where the Cowboys faced a 27-17 defeat.

Having been in his second season with the Cowboys, Kneeland was selected as a second-round draft pick from Western Michigan in 2024.

Expressing profound grief, Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, issued a statement requesting privacy and honoring Kneeland’s dedication and talent on the field. Kneeland’s rookie season had shown promise until he was sidelined by a knee injury for five games.

Noteworthy achievements during the season included Kneeland’s first career sack in the opening game against Philadelphia and his participation in seven games, with a brief absence due to an ankle injury.

The Cowboys, mourning the loss of Kneeland, described him as a cherished teammate and member of their organization, offering condolences to his girlfriend Catalina and family.

Kneeland’s selection by the Cowboys followed the team’s previous draft of defensive end Sam Williams in the second round, who incidentally set up the play leading to Kneeland’s touchdown recovery against the Cardinals.

Tragically, Kneeland had already faced personal loss as his mother, Wendy Kneeland, passed away unexpectedly while he was preparing for the draft. It was reported that Kneeland wore a necklace containing his mother’s ashes after joining the Cowboys.

The NFL expressed deep sorrow over Kneeland’s passing and confirmed their support and provision of counseling resources to both the Cowboys and those impacted by the loss.

Robert Prince, Miami Dolphins receivers coach and former Cowboys coach during Kneeland’s rookie year, shared his sadness over Kneeland’s death, recalling their interactions during training sessions and workouts.

Kneeland’s outstanding collegiate performance at Western Michigan, where he achieved 57 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks in nine games during his senior year, was also acknowledged by his former coach, Lance Taylor, who praised his leadership and positive impact on the team.

Tributes poured in from across the NFL community, with players like Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans emphasizing the importance of suicide awareness and support for mental health struggles.

Notably, two