Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Dies in Apparent Suicide at 24

The defensive end was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing authorities in his vehicle on Nov. 5.

Marshawn Kneeland of the Western Michigan Broncos speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Draft Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 28, 2024 in Indianapolis. Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide at the age of 24, following a police chase in Texas, according to authorities.

In a Nov. 6 statement, the Frisco Police Department identified Kneeland as the driver of the vehicle that was the subject of the chase. Kneeland was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At around 10:30 p.m. local time on Nov. 5, troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety requested assistance after attempting to make a traffic stop in the city of Frisco.

A pursuit ensued, with the driver of the fleeing vehicle, later identified as Kneeland, evading authorities until they lost sight of the car, according to police. Minutes later, troopers discovered that the car had crashed and believed its driver had fled the scene on foot.

During their search of the surrounding area with the help of K-9 and drone units, officers day they received information that Kneeland had expressed “suicidal ideations.” His body was eventually located at around 1:30 a.m.

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and the details surrounding his death will be reviewed by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

In a statement, the Dallas Cowboys described it as the “worst news imaginable.”

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said.

“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 agent, Jonathan Perzley, said he was “shattered” by the news, before paying tribute to his client and “dearest friend.”

“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,” 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. 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.”

Kneeland was a second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan in 2024, and played in seven of nine games with the Cowboys this year.

Despite missing two games this season, he recorded one sack, 15 tackles and six QB pressures. On Nov. 3, he scored the first touchdown of his NFL career during a loss against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.