Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has died at the age of 24, the team announced Thursday morning.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland died by suicide Wednesday night following a police pursuit. Troopers had attempted to stop Kneeland’s vehicle for a traffic violation, but he refused to pull over, prompting a chase. Authorities later found the vehicle crashed and abandoned. Kneeland was discovered nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.
Kneeland, a 2024 second-round draft pick, appeared in Monday night’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, playing 17 snaps.
Marshawn Kneeland (94), seen here during Monday’s game, has died at the age of 24, the Dallas Cowboys announced Thursday morning.
Kneeland scored a touchdown on a blocked punt during the Cowboys’ 27–17 loss.
“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.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said in a statement. “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.”
After starring at Godwin Heights HS in Wyoming, Mich., Kneeland recorded 13 sacks at Western Michigan from 2019-23.
He played in 11 games as a rookie last season and seven games this season, recording one sack. The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. “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,” Kneeland’s agent, Jon Perzley, said in a statement. “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.”
