Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Dies After Police Chase adn Apparent Suicide
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland,25,was found dead early Thursday morning following a police chase and subsequent search,authorities confirmed. His death has been ruled a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident began Wednesday night when Kneeland reportedly failed to stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during a traffic violation. Frisco police joined the pursuit, but officers lost sight of the vehicle. The vehicle was later discovered crashed, and Kneeland fled the scene on foot. During the search, law enforcement received information suggesting Kneeland may have been suicidal.
He was found deceased approximately three hours after the crash, though the specific location of his body has not been released.
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys, having been drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. He had played in seven games this season, recording his first career sack in the season opener against Philadelphia. He missed two games due to an ankle injury. His rookie season was interrupted by a five-game absence due to a knee injury.
News of Kneeland’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from the NFL and the Cowboys association. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL stated, offering support and counseling resources to the team.
The Cowboys released a statement saying, “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers…are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, described Kneeland as a “dearest friend” and expressed profound sorrow. ”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 personal life included recent grief; his mother, Wendy Kneeland, passed away while he was preparing for the NFL draft.He reportedly carried her ashes in a necklace he wore while with the Cowboys, according to The dallas Morning News.
Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who previously coached kneeland as a rookie with the Cowboys, spoke emotionally about the player, recalling their conversations and shared connection through their ties to Michigan.
At Western Michigan, Kneeland was a standout player, recording a career-high 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks in his senior year. Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor remembered Kneeland’s “leadership, energy and smile” and the ”special bond” thay developed.
