WARNING: This article discusses suicide.
Authorities in a Dallas suburb reported that Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was discovered dead in an apparent suicide after a series of events involving a vehicle chase and a foot pursuit following an accident.
Frisco police disclosed on Thursday that they are investigating the suicide incident. Kneeland allegedly evaded Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during a traffic stop, leading to a pursuit that also involved Frisco police on Wednesday night.
After losing sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, authorities later found it crashed. During the search for Kneeland who had fled the accident scene on foot, officers were alerted to the possibility of his suicidal intentions.
While in search of Kneeland, a dispatcher informed officers that individuals who knew him had received a group message from Kneeland bidding farewell, raising concerns about his well-being, as per recordings from Broadcastify, a platform archiving public safety radio transmissions.
Police confirmed that Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, around three hours after the crash, without specifying the exact location where his body was found. According to Broadcastify recordings, officers attempted to reach Kneeland through calls and texts and utilized a drone in their search efforts post-crash.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. <br><br>Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. <a href=”https://t.co/4kowniiC0c”>pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c</a>
—NFL
Kneeland’s death occurred shortly after he scored a touchdown from a blocked punt in a recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, where the Cowboys suffered a 27-17 defeat.
He was in his second season with the Cowboys, having been drafted in the second round from Western Michigan in 2024.
“I am devastated to confirm the passing of my client and dear friend Marshawn Kneeland last night,” stated Jonathan Perzley, Kneeland’s agent, who requested privacy. “Marshawn gave his all in every play, practice, and moment on the field. Losing someone of his caliber, spirit, and kindness is a pain that words cannot express.”
Kneeland’s debut season showed promise until he was sidelined for five games due to a knee injury.
He achieved his first career sack in this year’s season opener against Philadelphia, participating in seven games and missing two due to an ankle injury.
“Marshawn was a cherished teammate and a valuable member of our organization,” remarked 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 the draft. Kneeland was drafted a year after Sam Williams, another defensive end, was selected by Dallas in the second round. Williams was instrumental in the play that led to Kneeland’s touchdown against the Cardinals.
Kneeland tragically lost his mother, Wendy Kneeland, unexpectedly while he was 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 the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” expressed the NFL. “We have reached out to the Cowboys to provide assistance and support resources.”
Robert Prince, the Miami Dolphins receivers coach who previously held the same position during Kneeland’s rookie year, visibly moved, met with reporters with tears in his eyes on Thursday.
“We shared a lot of moments when he was injured and training in the weight room,” Prince reminisced. “We would chat and connect. Being both from Michigan, with my background in coaching at the Lions, we had some shared stories. A good kid. It’s heartbreaking to hear this news about him.”
Kneeland achieved a career-high of 57 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks in nine games during his senior year at Western Michigan.
“I am utterly devastated by the loss of Marshawn K