Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died early Thursday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase. The tragedy comes just days after Kneeland scored his first career touchdown in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and Frisco Police Department reported that Kneeland was involved in a police pursuit Wednesday night starting at 10:33 p.m. CT for a traffic violation. Troopers lost sight of his vehicle, and the chase was terminated. A welfare check was requested at Kneeland's Plano residence at 11:40 p.m., but officers made no contact.
Later, police located Kneeland's abandoned vehicle, which had been in a crash. A search of the area, aided by K-9 and drone units, found Kneeland at 1:31 a.m. Thursday deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities noted he had expressed suicidal ideations, and calls to police came from his girlfriend and the NFL, citing concerning messages and a history of mental health issues.
The Cowboys issued a statement Thursday morning: "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, Jonathan Perzley, said: "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. 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."
His family added: "We are devastated by this tremendous loss... He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched."
A 2024 second-round draft pick from Western Michigan, Kneeland recorded his first career sack in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2025, he appeared in seven games with three starts. His most recent highlight came Monday night against the Cardinals, where he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in a 27-17 loss. Former coach Mike Zimmer remembered him as "a great person, eager to learn... Keep being you. You're going to have a great career."