Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s death is being investigated as a suspected suicide, Frisco (Texas) police said.
Kneeland was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft out of Western Michigan.
He recently scored his first NFL touchdown on a blocked punt during a ‘Monday Night Football’ game.
This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died sometime between late Wednesday Nov. 5 and the early morning of Thursday Nov. 6, according to the Frisco (Texas) Police Department. His death is being investigated as a suspected suicide.
Kneeland was 24. His agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., said Kneeland died Wednesday night while the Cowboys in their announcement said he ‘tragically’ passed Thursday morning.
‘It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,’ the team said. ‘Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. ‘
Kneeland scored Dallas’ first touchdown of its ‘Monday Night Football’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3 by scooping up a blocked punt in the end zone. The Michigan native played collegiately at Western Michigan.
Marshawn Kneeland cause of death
No cause of death was immediately revealed but Frisco Police said that at 10:39 p.m. local time on Nov. 5 they began assisting the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) ‘with locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit.’
The police lost sight of the vehicle but relocated it minutes later, having crashed on Dallas Parkway heading southbound. Kneeland was later identified as the individual who fled the scene, according to the release. Police found Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m., and an official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The NFL said it has been in contact with the Cowboys and is offering support to its players and staff.
‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,’ the league said in a statement. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates.’
The NFL Players’ Association said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by Kneeland’s passing.
‘His impact on those around him immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community,’ the union said in a statement. ‘We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved ones.’
The Cowboys took Kneeland in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 draft. He started three games this season and had 12 tackles.
‘I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,’ Perzley said in his statement. ‘ … 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. My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they fell the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need to grieve this tremendous loss.’
The Western Michigan football community also expressed its heartbreak.
‘My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player — he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally,’ head coach Lance Taylor said in a statement. ‘His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football.
‘His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated, and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.’