Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide early Thursday morning after fleeing the scene of a crash in Frisco, Texas, police said. He was 24.
According to The Associated Press, Frisco police said Kneeland failed to stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during a traffic stop Wednesday night. The chase continued until officers lost sight of his vehicle, which was later found crashed.
Authorities said Kneeland fled the scene on foot, and during the search, officers received information suggesting he might be suicidal. He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound about three hours after the crash. Police did not specify the exact location where his body was discovered.
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being drafted in the second round in 2024 out of Western Michigan.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” his agent, Jonathan 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.”
The Cowboys released a statement mourning his loss. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the team said. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland’s mother, Wendy Kneeland, died suddenly while he was preparing for the draft. He reportedly kept her ashes in a necklace he wore after joining the Cowboys.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who coached Kneeland as a rookie in Dallas, became emotional when speaking to reporters. “We spent a lot of time (together) when he was injured and working out in the weight room,” Prince said. “Good kid. I’m sorry to hear that about him.”
Kneeland had 57 tackles and 4 1⁄2 sacks in his final season at Western Michigan. “My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” said Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor. “His leadership, energy and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program.”
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons also posted about Kneeland’s death on X. “It sucks seeing the news of our NFL brother! Even when someone is carrying the biggest smile, make sure to just check in on them,” he wrote.
Two of Kneeland’s Cowboys teammates, quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, have both lost siblings to suicide and are advocates for suicide awareness and prevention.
