Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Dead at 24; Police Investigating Apparent Suicide

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at age 24, the team announced Thursday. Authorities in Texas are investigating the death as an apparent suicide.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at 10:33 p.m. Wednesday, but the driver refused to stop and a pursuit began. The chase was quickly called off after troopers lost sight of the vehicle. Minutes later, Frisco police found a wrecked car along Dallas Parkway. The driver, identified as Kneeland, reportedly fled the scene on foot.

Police used K-9 and drone units to search the area. Dispatch audio obtained by CNN captured officers discussing Kneeland’s mental health and statements from his girlfriend indicating that he was armed and suicidal. Authorities later confirmed that Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts before being found dead at 1:31 a.m. Thursday with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.

The Cowboys released a statement expressing their grief: “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. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Kneeland, a second-round draft pick in 2024 from Western Michigan University, appeared in seven games this season, recording 12 tackles and one sack. He scored his first career touchdown earlier this week in the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.

Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor remembered Kneeland as “a remarkable young man” whose “leadership, energy, and smile were infectious.” His agent, Jonathan Perzley, called Kneeland “a dearest friend” and said he was “shattered” by the loss, describing the young athlete as someone who poured his heart into every moment on the field.

The NFL released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by the tragic news.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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