Dallas Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland found dead in apparent suicide, police say

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after evading authorities, crashing a car and fleeing on foot, Texas police said Thursday.

At around 10:33 p.m. Wednesday, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a car for a traffic violation near Frisco, the Frisco Police Department said in a statement.

The driver allegedly refused to stop, prompting a pursuit that required assistance from Frisco police.

“After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway,” the statement said.

Police said that the man, later identified as Kneeland, 24, ran away.

During the search for Kneeland, officers said they received information that he had “expressed suicidal ideations.” He was found at 1:31 a.m. local time, “deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the statement said.

The Plano Police Department said in a statement that officers responded “to a call for a welfare concern” at an address associated with Kneeland around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday. They did not make contact with anyone at the residence, the statement said.

The case and manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, the police statement added. Police said they are investigating the case as a possible suicide.

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

“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

In a statement, Kneeland’s agent also confirmed his death overnight, but neither he nor the team said where or how the NFL player died.

“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,” Jonathan Perzley said in a statement, asking for “privacy and compassion” for those close to Kneeland.

“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 Cowboys selected Kneeland with their second-round pick in the 2024 draft, the 56th overall selection. He played in 11 games during his rookie season and appeared in seven in 2025, recording his first career sack in Week 1.

On Monday, he scored a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended Western Michigan University beginning in 2019. He almost transferred to play for Deion Sanders at Colorado in 2022 before deciding to remain in his home state. During his collegiate career, Kneeland recorded 149 tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles in 38 games.

“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” Western Michigan University coach Lance Taylor said in a statement.

“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."

WMU athletics director Dan Bartholomae said Kneeland was always a popular teammate.

“Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus who worked hard to earn a degree and achieve his dream of being drafted into the NFL," Bartholomae said.

"While his football talents were exceptional, they came second to his kind and engaging spirit and his love for his Bronco teammates and coaches."

Before playing at Western Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, and he was a team captain. He was also a regional champion in track in the 400 meters and an all-conference high jumper.

In 18 career NFL games, Kneeland had 26 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defended.

Dallas is currently in its bye week. The Cowboys’ next game is on Nov. 17.

“The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. He is impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community,” the union said in a statement. “We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”

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