DALLAS, TEXAS – The NFL world is in disbelief after learning that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at just 24 years old from what authorities say appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning.
According to a Frisco Police Department media release, officers responded around 10:39 p.m. on November 5, 2025, to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with locating a vehicle that had fled from troopers during a pursuit that entered the city of Frisco.
Troopers later discovered the vehicle crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
Initial reports state that the driver, later identified as Kneeland of Plano, Texas, ran from the vehicle after the crash. Officers from Frisco PD established a perimeter and began a wide-area search using K-9 and drone units.
During the search, officers learned that Kneeland had reportedly expressed suicidal ideations. Around 1:31 a.m., he was found deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Frisco Police emphasized that no further details will be released as the investigation remains ongoing.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the Kneeland family and friends,” the department said in its statement.
The Cowboys released a statement early Thursday morning confirming the devastating loss:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
At this time, the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but sources say an investigation is ongoing.
Kneeland’s story was one of hustle, heart, and hope. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native made his way from Godwin Heights High School to Western Michigan University, where he became a standout defensive force.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cowboys picked him up in the second round — 56th overall — and he proudly wore the number 94 for Dallas. Over two seasons, he suited up for 18 games (including four starts), racking up 26 tackles and 1.0 sacks.
Just days before his death, Kneeland made headlines after recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals — his first NFL touchdown and a highlight that had fans calling him one of Dallas’ future stars.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the devastating news, sharing an emotional statement:
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.”
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer remembered him fondly:
“He was a great person, eager to learn … My last conversation with him was, ‘Keep being you, you’re going to have a great career.’”
The NFL also released a statement expressing condolences to the Cowboys and the Kneeland family, calling his death “a loss that ripples through every locker room in this league.”
The Cowboys are currently on a bye week and will return to play on November 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Team officials say grief counselors are available to players and staff as the organization processes the loss.
