Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland found
dead of apparent suicide at 24 after evading officers, police say
[November 07, 2025]
By SCHUYLER DIXON and JUAN A. LOZANO
Police in a Dallas suburb say 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive
end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after
evading authorities in his vehicle and fleeing the scene of an
accident on foot.
Frisco police said Thursday they are investigating the suicide. They
said Kneeland didn't stop for Texas Department of Public Safety
troopers over a traffic violation in a chase that was joined by
Frisco police on Wednesday night.
Authorities lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed
minutes later. During the search after Kneeland fled the crash site
on foot, officers said they received word that Kneeland might be
suicidal.
As authorities were looking for Kneeland, a dispatcher told officers
that people who knew him had received a group text from Kneeland
“saying goodbye. They’re concerned for his welfare,” according to
recordings from Broadcastify, which archives public safety radio
feeds.
“We’re talking to the girlfriend. She’s trying to call his agent.
But we’re trying to get her to call him first. But she’s saying he
is armed and has a history of mental illness. And her quote was, ‘He
will end it all,’” another dispatcher told officers.
He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday
morning, about three hours after the crash, police said without
specifying where Kneeland's body was found. In the recordings from
Broadcastify, officers said they had tried to get in contact with
Kneeland by calling and texting him and had used a drone to try and
locate him after the crash.
___
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or
someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis
lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There
is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Helplines outside the
U.S. can be found at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts. ___
The Denver Broncos paid tribute to Kneeland with a moment of silence
before their game Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders. The
team also put his image on the scoreboard.
Kneeland's death came just days after he recovered a blocked punt in
the end zone for a touchdown in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona
Cardinals.
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024
second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend
Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Kneeland's agent,
Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement that asked for privacy.
“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.”
Kneeland's rookie season was off to a promising start before he was
sidelined for five games by a knee injury.
Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this year
against Philadelphia. He played in seven games this season, missing
two with an ankle injury.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,”
the Cowboys said. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are
with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
[to top of second column] |
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) celebrates with
Malik Davis (43), after he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown
in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona
Cardinals first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2025,
in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard Rodriguez)
The Cowboys have frequently sought pass rushers and
other defensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft.
Kneeland was drafted a year after defensive end Sam Williams was
taken by Dallas in the second round. Williams blocked the punt that
Kneeland recovered against the Cardinals.
Kneeland’s mother, Wendy Kneeland, died suddenly while he was
preparing for the draft. He had his mother’s ashes in a necklace he
wore after joining the Cowboys, according to The Dallas Morning
News.
“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 had the same
position with the Cowboys when Kneeland was a rookie last year, had
tears in his eyes as he met with reporters Thursday.
“We spent a lot of time (together) when he was injured and working
out in the weight room,” Prince said. “We’d shoot the breeze. He was
a Western Michigan kid and I coached with the Lions for a while so
we had some Michigan-type stories. Good kid. I’m sorry to hear that
about him.”
Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles along with 4 1/2 sacks in nine
games as a senior at Western Michigan.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,”
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said. “His leadership, energy
and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone
in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we
developed a special bond that went far beyond football.”
Tributes poured in from around the NFL, including Tennessee Titans
defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who raised the topic of suicide
awareness with a reporter during training camp this year.
“It sucks seeing the news of our NFL brother!” Simmons wrote on X.
“Even when someone is carrying the biggest smile, make sure to just
check in on them. You just never know man. Don’t be afraid to ask
for help, we all go through things that we sometimes hide!”
Two of Kneeland's Dallas teammates, quarterback Dak Prescott and
defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, had siblings who died by suicide
and have foundations supporting suicide awareness and prevention.
Thomas' sister, Ella, was the same age as Kneeland.
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