CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses suicide.
Authorities in a Dallas suburb reported the death of 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, in what appears to be a suicide following an attempt to evade law enforcement and flee the scene of a car crash.
The Frisco police department confirmed on Thursday that they are conducting an investigation into Kneeland’s death. They revealed that Kneeland failed to stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during a pursuit initiated for a traffic violation, with Frisco police subsequently joining the chase on Wednesday evening.
After losing sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, authorities later discovered it had crashed. During the search for Kneeland, who had fled the crash site on foot, officers received information suggesting he might be contemplating suicide.
While searching for Kneeland, dispatchers informed officers that individuals close to him had received a group text from Kneeland bidding farewell, expressing concerns for his well-being. The dispatch recordings also revealed that Kneeland’s girlfriend informed authorities that he was armed, had a history of mental health issues, and might be considering self-harm.
Kneeland was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, approximately three hours after the accident. The police did not disclose the precise location where Kneeland’s body was discovered. According to the broadcast recordings, officers tried to establish contact with Kneeland through phone calls and texts, and even utilized a drone in their attempts to locate him after the crash.
Kneeland’s death occurred shortly after his notable play of recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, ending in a 27-17 defeat.
A second-year player with the Cowboys, Kneeland was drafted in the second round in 2024 from Western Michigan University.
“It is with great sorrow that I confirm the passing of my client and dear friend Marshawn Kneeland last night,” stated Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, in a plea for privacy. “Marshawn dedicated himself wholeheartedly to every play, practice, and moment on the field. The loss of someone with his skill, character, and kindness is an indescribable pain for me.”
Kneeland’s initial season showed promise until a knee injury sidelined him for five games. He achieved his first career sack in this year’s season opener against Philadelphia and participated in seven games, missing two due to an ankle injury.
“Marshawn was a cherished teammate and member of our organization,” commented the Cowboys. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The Cowboys had been actively seeking pass rushers and defensive linemen in the early rounds of drafts, with Kneeland drafted a year after defensive end Sam Williams was selected in the second round. Williams played a crucial role in the play leading to Kneeland’s touchdown recovery against the Cardinals.
Tragically, Kneeland had experienced the sudden loss of his mother, Wendy Kneeland, while preparing for the draft. He wore a necklace containing his mother’s ashes after joining the Cowboys, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland’s passing,” expressed the NFL. “We are in contact with the Cowboys, offering support and counseling services.”
Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who was previously with the Cowboys during Kneeland’s rookie season, appeared emotional as he spoke with reporters, reminiscing about their interactions during Kneeland’s recovery from injury.
“We spent a lot of time together when he was injured and working out in the weight room,” noted Prince. “He was a good kid from Western Michigan, and we shared some Michigan stories as I had coached with the Lions. It’s heartbreaking news.”
Kneeland had a standout senior