Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas on Thursday morning, the Frisco Police Department confirmed. The Western Michigan product was 24.
Members of the Texas Department of Public Safety said they tried to stop a driver, whom they later identified as Kneeland, after witnessing a traffic violation on Wednesday night. The driver refused to stop, causing the state troopers to initiate a chase.
The authorities lost track of the driver, though they later found the vehicle abandoned. Police later found Kneeland dead of a gunshot wound in the early hours Thursday. Authorities classified the death as a suicide.
The police department of Frisco, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, said in a release that Kneeland expressed “suicidal ideations” prior to his death.
The Plano Police Department told NFL Network that it received a call for a welfare check at Kneeland’s home at about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday. Troopers from the Department of Public Safety had already initiated their chase of Kneeland.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the Cowboys said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.”
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, asked for privacy.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “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.”
Kneeland, a second-round pick in 2024, was in the middle of his second NFL season. After missing all but six games of his rookie campaign with a knee injury, the Michigan native was a rotational player on Dallas’ defensive line this year.
He recorded his first career touchdown — a blocked punt recovered in the end zone — during Monday night’s 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He had his first career sack in this season’s opener against the Eagles. Kneeland has played in seven games this season, missing two with an ankle injury.
The news of his death shook players and former coaches across the NFL.
“He was a great person, eager to learn, wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard, loved playing the game,” former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer told NFL Network. “My last conversation with him was, ’Keep being you. You’re going to have a great career.’”
The NFL reached out to lend its support.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
Kneeland was part of a small contingent of Western Michigan players in the NFL. Baltimore Ravens cornerback Bilhal Kone, who played with Kneeland in 2023, said the edge rusher was “more than a teammate.”
“More than a brother, you was hope,” Kone wrote on X. “Helped my dreams come to true seeing you make it. Can’t wait to make you proud to play through your energy.”
Kneeland’s family issued a joint statement on Thursday following an outpouring of support from across the NFL landscape.
“He held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson and friend,” the family said. “He was kind, determined, humble and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
The 3-5-1 Cowboys are in a bye week. They are slated to return to practice on Monday, with their next game scheduled in Las Vegas against the Raiders on Nov. 17.
• This story is based in part on wire service reports.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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