Kneeland was a 2024 second-round pick by Dallas out of Western Michigan
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died Thursday morning. Kneeland’s cause of death is said to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase for a traffic violation, according to the Frisco Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.
While pursuing Kneeland as he chose not to stop amid his traffic violation, DPS officers lost sight of his vehicle. When Kneeland’s automobile was eventually found, it appeared to have been involved in an accident. Police subsequently found Kneeland, deceased at the time of discovery, while searching the surrounding area.
“Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units. During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations. Kneeland was later located at 1:31 a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Frisco Police shared in a statement.
A Plano Police Department spokesperson said officers had earlier responded to a “welfare concern” at Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday but did not make contact with anyone at that time.
Police received calls from Kneeland’s girlfriend and the NFL, according to dispatch audio posted by TMZ. Kneeland’s girlfriend said she received a concerning message from Kneeland, who was armed with a history of mental issues, claiming he would “end it all.” The NFL expressed that it had been contacted by family, sharing that Kneeland was texting them “goodbye.”
Kneeland’s family shared their despair in a statement released to the media:
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend. He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
The Cowboys related their thoughts in a team statement: “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.”
Prior to Thursday night’s Week 10 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos, the NFL held a moment of silence for Kneeland:
A 2024 second-round pick, Kneeland was in the middle of his second season in Dallas. He recorded his first career sack in Week 1 against Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
During Kneeland’s last game against the Arizona Cardinals — in prime time on “Monday Night Football” — he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first career touchdown. The Cowboys lost, 27-17.
Kneeland enjoyed a successful prep and college career, including a standout effort as a linebacker/tight end at Michigan’s Godwin Heights High School and a second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection during his final season at Western Michigan, where he registered 57 tackles (7.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
“He was a great person, eager to learn … wanted to be great,” one of Kneeland’s former coaches, Mike Zimmer, told NFL Media. “He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard — loved playing the game. My last conversation with him was, ‘Keep being you. You’re going to have a great career.'”
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