Dallas Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24 in Apparent Suicide
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, was found dead early Thursday morning in Frisco, Texas, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death follows a police pursuit and subsequent crash late Wednesday night.
Incident Details
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation near Frisco. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit. Authorities lost sight of the vehicle but discovered it crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway minutes later. Kneeland had fled the scene on foot.
During the search, officers received information suggesting Kneeland might be suicidal. Around 1:30 a.m. on November 6, his body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Career Highlights
Kneeland, born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a standout at Western Michigan University. He earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2023 before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 56th overall.
In his rookie season, Kneeland played 11 games, recording 14 tackles and a pass deflection. He missed five games due to a knee injury. In the 2025 season, he appeared in seven games, tallying 12 tackles and recording his first career sack in the season opener against Philadelphia. Notably, on November 3, 2025, he scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Personal Life and Reactions
Kneeland faced personal tragedy with the unexpected death of his mother in February 2024, just months before the NFL Draft. He honored her memory by carrying her ashes in a necklace.
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement expressing deep sadness over Kneeland’s passing, describing him as a “beloved teammate and member of our organization.” They extended their thoughts and prayers to his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, expressed heartbreak, stating, “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
The NFL community has been profoundly affected by Kneeland’s death, with teammates, coaches, and fans mourning the loss of a promising young player.
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