Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24. Police confirm the rising NFL star’s death was an apparent suicide following a late-night pursuit and welfare check in Frisco, TX.
The Dallas Cowboys organization and the entire National Football League are mourning the tragic death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 24.
A promising star drafted in the second round in 2024, Kneeland’s passing has sent shockwaves through the sports world, prompting an immediate outpouring of grief and a renewed focus on mental health resources for athletes.
Circumstances of Death
According to statements released by the Frisco Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Kneeland died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragedy followed a sequence of events late Wednesday night:
- Police Pursuit: DPS troopers initially attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Kneeland, which resulted in a brief pursuit that was terminated after officers lost sight of the car.
- Crash and Search: Kneeland’s vehicle was later found abandoned after a crash. Frisco Police and DPS initiated a search, utilizing K-9 and drone units.
- Welfare Concern: During the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations and had reportedly sent a final message to family members. Authorities, including the NFL and the Cowboys organization, were reportedly contacted by loved ones attempting to locate him.
- Discovery: Kneeland was found deceased at approximately 1:30 a.m. The official cause and manner of death are pending the results of the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A Talent Gone Too Soon
Kneeland was an American professional football player who spent two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played his college football at Western Michigan University, where he earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2023.
Just two days before his death, Kneeland had a career highlight, scoring his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt during the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football game.
The team released a statement saying, “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.”
The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have since offered their condolences and confirmed they are providing support and counseling resources to the team’s players, coaches, and staff.
