Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, the team confirmed. The tragic news arrives just days after Kneeland made a key special teams play during the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football win over the Arizona Cardinals, underscoring the suddenness of the loss felt across the organization and the wider NFL community.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team 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.”
Rising Talent On A Big Stage
Kneeland, a standout at Western Michigan University, was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He quickly carved out a role on Dallas’ defense and special teams, appearing in 18 games and recording 26 tackles and one sack.
Earlier in the week, Kneeland’s high-motor playmaking was on display during Monday Night Football against the Cardinals, when he recovered a blocked punt in the second quarter to set up a Cowboys touchdown. It was the kind of momentum-swinging moment that reflected his impact as a young player earning trust in big situations.
Agent Jonathan Perzley also confirmed Kneeland’s passing in a statement shared by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, writing that he was “shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night.”
What Authorities Report About The Incident
According to information provided by authorities, Kneeland died by suicide following a police pursuit. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at approximately 10:33 p.m. on November 5, per Frisco police.
When the driver did not stop, troopers initiated a pursuit and later lost sight of the vehicle, according to the Dallas News. Law enforcement subsequently located the car, which had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
Initial reports indicated the driver fled the scene on foot. DPS troopers and Frisco police deployed K-9 and drone units to search the area. At approximately 1:31 a.m. on November 6, authorities found Kneeland deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Earlier in the evening, Plano Police Department spokesperson Jerry Minton said officers had responded to a “welfare concern” at an address associated with Kneeland, but they were unable to make contact with him at that time.
Team, Agent, And Family Pay Tribute
In addition to the Cowboys’ statement, Kneeland’s family shared a message expressing their grief and honoring his life beyond football. “We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” the family said, per the Dallas News. “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.”
Perzley noted the personal bond he shared with Kneeland in his remembrance, underscoring the profound impact the young player had on those around him both professionally and personally.
On the field, Kneeland was an ascending talent whose combination of strength and pursuit made him a valuable piece of Dallas’ rotation. Off it, those who knew him described a grounded, humble presence who embraced the work and the people around him.
Kneeland’s Legacy In Dallas
Drafted with expectations to bolster the Cowboys’ pass rush, Kneeland showed flashes of the disruptive player he had been in college and continued to grow into his role. His special teams contributions — highlighted by the recent blocked-punt recovery — reflected a player willing to do whatever the team needed.
While his NFL career was only beginning, the outpouring of statements from the team, his agent, and his family paint a consistent picture: Kneeland made a lasting impression in a short time, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and loved ones through his work ethic, kindness, and humility.
The Cowboys and the NFL community are now mourning a life and career cut tragically short, remembering a young athlete who had quickly become part of Dallas’ fabric and whose potential on and off the field was palpable.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 911 in an emergency.
