Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, was found dead early Thursday morning in what authorities say appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The discovery came hours after Kneeland fled from a vehicle that had evaded Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and was later found crashed in Frisco.
Frisco police confirmed they are investigating the death as a possible suicide.
According to police, troopers attempted to stop Kneeland’s vehicle Wednesday night, sparking a pursuit that Frisco officers later joined. Authorities said they briefly lost sight of the vehicle before locating it along the Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Kneeland fled the crash on foot, prompting a K9 search.
During the search, officers were informed that Kneeland had recently expressed suicidal thoughts. Roughly three hours later, officers found him deceased in a nearby area.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the player’s death late Wednesday, although the Dallas Cowboys described the loss as occurring Thursday morning. The discrepancy in timing remains under review.
Team Reaction
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement early Thursday expressing grief and extending condolences to Kneeland’s loved ones.
“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. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.”
The NFL also issued a statement offering support and noting that counseling resources are being made available to players and staff.
A Promising Young Career
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. Seen as a rising defensive talent, he played in 18 career games, starting four. He recorded 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack during his time with Dallas.
Just days before his death, Kneeland experienced a milestone moment on national television. In Monday night’s 27–17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first NFL touchdown. The play was celebrated widely among teammates and fans.
A Community in Shock
News of Kneeland’s death has sent shockwaves through the organization and among supporters who watched his career begin to take shape.
Public tributes from teammates, friends and former college coaches are expected in the coming days. The Cowboys are also coordinating grief counseling for players and staff affected by the sudden loss.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Authorities emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in releasing details of the incident. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available:
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