In a heartbreaking incident, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a series of distressing events that included evading police and crashing a vehicle. The Texas police reported this tragic news on Thursday. The unfortunate sequence of events began around 10:33 p.m. on Wednesday when officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety attempted to pull over Kneeland's car for a traffic violation near Frisco, Texas. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, allegedly refused to stop, leading to a police pursuit.
According to the Frisco Police Department, after losing sight of Kneeland's vehicle, officers located it moments later, crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Kneeland fled the scene on foot. During the subsequent search, law enforcement received information indicating that he had previously expressed suicidal ideations. Tragically, he was discovered at approximately 1:31 a.m. local time, deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Plano Police Department also responded to a welfare concern call at Kneeland's residence around 11:40 p.m. that same night, but they did not make contact with anyone at the location. The case is currently under investigation, with the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office tasked with determining the cause and manner of death. Authorities are treating this incident as a possible suicide.
The Dallas Cowboys organization expressed profound sorrow over Kneeland's passing, stating, “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, also confirmed the news, emphasizing the impact Kneeland had on those around him. “I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan University with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys,” he stated. Perzley called for privacy for those grieving, highlighting Kneeland's dedication to the sport: “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.”
Drafted as the 56th overall selection in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland showcased his talents during his rookie season, participating in 11 games. He continued to develop in the 2025 season, where he played in seven games and recorded his first career sack. Notably, he scored a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland began his college career at Western Michigan University in 2019. He nearly transferred to play under Deion Sanders at Colorado in 2022 but chose to stay in his home state. Throughout his collegiate career, he amassed impressive statistics, including 149 tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 38 games. Before his time at Western Michigan, Kneeland was a standout at Godwin Heights High School, setting multiple school records in tackles and sacks.
Western Michigan University coach Lance Taylor expressed his grief, stating, “My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. He was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally.” Athletics director Dan Bartholomae echoed these sentiments, highlighting Kneeland's exceptional character and the love he received from his teammates.
Moreover, NFL Players Association released a statement, expressing their sadness over Kneeland's passing, noting, “His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community.” The organization is committed to ensuring that players have the necessary support during such difficult times.
As the Dallas Cowboys head into their bye week, they are left to mourn the loss of a promising athlete whose life was cut tragically short. Their next game is scheduled for November 17, where they will undoubtedly carry the memory of Marshawn Kneeland with them.
