Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died early Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, local authorities revealed.
According to multiple reports, Kneeland had evaded troopers Wednesday night in a pursuit that ended with the second-year NFL player’s car being found crashed along a parkway in the Dallas suburb of Frisco. ESPN, citing Frisco Police, reported that Kneeland then fled the scene on foot and that a search was conducted with help from K-9 and drone units. He was found approximately three hours later.
The police report also stated that during the search the police received information that Kneeland had “expressed suicidal ideations,” per ESPN.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Kneeland’s agent Jonathan Perzley said in a statement. “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. 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. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
The NFL has “offered support and counseling resources” to the Cowboys and the league issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened” by Kneeland’s death.
Lance Taylor, the head coach of Kneeland’s alma mater Western Michigan, also issued a statement.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player — he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally,” Taylor said. “His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program.
“Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football. His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated, and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.”
The Cowboys drafted Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In 18 regular-season games (4 starts), he recorded 26 tackles and one sack.
