Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died. He was 24.
On Thursday, the organization confirmed Kneeland’s death while sending their condolences to his girlfriend and his family, according to The Guardian and NFL.com.
The Dallas Cowboys and Kneeland’s agent speak out following his death
“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,” the team said in a statement.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, also shared a statement, emphasizing Kneeland’s talent and his commitment to his craft as a football player.
“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,” Perzley wrote in a statement, per The Guardian.
“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 feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time.”
Frisco Police say they received a report that Kneeland showed signs of suicidal behavior
Kneeland was reportedly found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head Thursday morning, following a late-night vehicle pursuit with Frisco Police after fleeing from a crash scene on foot, per The Guardian and NFL.com.
Law enforcement said Kneeland did not stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers in a chase that also involved Frisco police Wednesday night, according to reports. Authorities said they had lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle before locating it shortly after.
Frisco officers involved in the incident stated that they received a report that Kneeland had shown signs of being suicidal. The Collin County medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause of death.
Kneeland played his last game days before his death
Kneeland played his final game on Monday, making a critical end‑zone play even though the team fell 27‑17 to the Arizona Cardinals, NFL.com reported.
The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. His mother, Wendy, died shortly before the draft. He played 11 games as a rookie and became a key contributor this season, according to The Guardian.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources,” the NFL said in a statement.