Dallas Cowboys Star Marshawn Kneeland Dead at 24 After Police Chase and Apparent Suicide— Here’s everything we know

Dallas Cowboys Star Marshawn Kneeland Dead at 24 After Police Chase and Apparent Suicide—

The NFL is Shattered
The sports world was plunged into profound shock and sorrow as the Dallas Cowboys organization confirmed the tragic death of promising defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.

At just 24 years old, the second-year player was found deceased early Thursday morning in Frisco, Texas, following an intense police search. Authorities later confirmed that Kneeland’s death was an apparent suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, an unbearable conclusion to a chain of events that began just hours earlier with a seemingly routine traffic violation. The devastating news immediately cast a pall over the NFL, silencing the celebration of the Cowboys’ bye week with a wave of grief.

The disturbing details leading to the tragic discovery were released by the Frisco Police Department. On Wednesday night, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Kneeland for a traffic violation, initiating a brief pursuit that entered the Frisco city limits. The chase was terminated after troopers lost sight of the vehicle, only to locate it minutes later, crashed and abandoned. Authorities reported that Kneeland fled the scene of the accident on foot. As law enforcement, assisted by K-9 and drone units, searched the area, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.

The multi-agency search tragically concluded at 1:31 a.m. Thursday when officers located the player deceased. The Frisco Police Department announced that the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. The immediate reaction from the Dallas Cowboys organization reflected the deep pain of losing one of their own: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization.”

Kneeland, a 2024 second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan, was already displaying a promising trajectory in his young career. Just days before his passing, he had celebrated a high point, scoring his first career NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the team’s Monday night loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Tributes poured in from around the league, highlighting his talent and infectious spirit. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, released a statement, saying he was “shattered” by the loss of Kneeland, who “poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.” His former college coach echoed the sentiment, remembering his leadership and infectious smile.
As the Cowboys and the entire NFL community grapple with this shocking loss, the focus shifts to supporting those closest to Kneeland, including his girlfriend Catalina and his family.

The NFL has confirmed it is in contact with the team, offering critical support and counseling resources to teammates and staff. The heartbreaking situation serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressures facing professional athletes and the vital importance of mental health awareness. The memory of Marshawn Kneeland’s talent and spirit will remain an indelible part of the Dallas Cowboys family.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by chatting at 988lifeline.org. Resources are available 24/7.