Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, found dead in apparent suicide

Field Level Media

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, was found dead early Thursday morning in what authorities described as an apparent suicide following a police pursuit in North Texas.

According to law enforcement officials and multiple reports, Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing a traffic stop late Wednesday night. The Texas Department of Public Safety said a trooper attempted to pull Kneeland over for a traffic violation around 10:40 p.m., but he did not stop. A pursuit followed as the vehicle entered Frisco, where troopers later discovered it had crashed along southbound Dallas Parkway.

Officers from the Frisco Police Department joined the search for the driver, who had left the scene on foot. K-9 and drone units were deployed, and at approximately 1:31 a.m., Kneeland was found deceased near the crash site. Frisco police confirmed that prior to discovering his body, officers had conducted a welfare check at Kneeland’s residence but were unable to make contact. During their investigation, authorities said they received information indicating that Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.

The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination on the cause of death.

The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning confirming Kneeland’s death: “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’s agent also confirmed his passing, asking for privacy and compassion for his loved ones.

A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Kneeland appeared in 18 games over two seasons with Dallas, including four starts. He recorded 26 tackles, four quarterback hits, one sack, and one fumble recovery. Just three days before his death, Kneeland had scored his first career touchdown, recovering a blocked punt in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Tributes from teammates, coaches, and the NFL Players Association poured in throughout the day Thursday, remembering Kneeland as a kind-hearted, hardworking young man who brought energy and joy to the Cowboys locker room.