Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24, Police Investigate Apparent Suicide

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away Thursday morning at the age of 24. Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent death by suicide.

The events leading to Kneeland’s death began Wednesday night when Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit that was terminated when troopers lost sight of the vehicle.

Minutes later, Frisco Police Department officers, assisting DPS, located a wrecked vehicle on Dallas Parkway. Initial reports indicated a male subject fled the scene on foot. Officers, utilizing K-9 and drone units, began a search of the area.

During the search, law enforcement was in contact with Kneeland’s girlfriend, who informed them that he was armed, had a history of mental illness, and had expressed intentions to “end it all.” The NFL was also in touch with authorities, with a lieutenant from Plano advising that the subject was texting his family goodbye.

Frisco police later located Kneeland at 1:31 a.m., deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.

The Dallas Cowboys released a statement expressing profound sadness, remembering Kneeland as a beloved teammate. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, also shared a heartfelt statement, highlighting Kneeland’s dedication and spirit. Marshawn Kneeland, a second-round draft pick from 2024 out of Western Michigan University, appeared in seven games this season for the Cowboys. He made 12 tackles, recorded one sack, and scored his first career touchdown just days before his death.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/06/sport/football-nfl-dallas-cowyboys-marshawn-kneeland-dead