Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at age 24, just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown. Authorities in Frisco, Texas, confirmed that Kneeland’s death was the result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning.
The Cowboys said in a statement: “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.”
Kneeland’s family shared the following statement: “The Kneeland family can confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Marshawn Kneeland. We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend. He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
Police said the incident began late Wednesday night when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers pursued a vehicle that entered Frisco around 10:39 p.m. The car, identified as Kneeland’s, later crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. According to the report, Kneeland fled on foot, prompting a search using drones and K-9 units. About three hours later, officers found him with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities noted they had received information during the search indicating that Kneeland had “expressed suicidal ideations.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared in a statement posted by ESPN’s Ian Rapoport: “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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.”
The NFL said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. 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.”
Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had been emerging as one of Dallas’ promising young defenders. Just two nights before his death, he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first career touchdown during Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals. In 18 career games across two seasons, he recorded 26 tackles, four quarterback hits, and one sack.
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer remembered Kneeland as a driven and resilient player. “He was a great person, eager to learn … wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard, loved playing the game. Tough. My last conversation with him was keep being you—you’re going to have a great career.”
Before joining the Cowboys, Kneeland built an impressive résumé at Western Michigan University, where he played from 2019 to 2023. He appeared in 38 games, recording 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and earning second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in his senior season.
Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor expressed heartbreak over his former player’s death. “My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” Taylor said. “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. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious. 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.”
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