Content warning: This article includes references to self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm and requires immediate assistance, please dial or text 988 or connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via 988lifeline.org.
The Dallas Cowboys communicated the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday. He was 24 years old.
The organization issued an announcement through an official declaration, which stated:
“It is with deep sorrow that the Dallas Cowboys announce that Marshawn Kneeland unfortunately passed away this morning. Marshawn was a highly regarded teammate and integral part of our organization. Our sincere thoughts and prayers concerning Marshawn are extended to his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The NFL issued a comparable statement Thursday, affirming Kneeland’s death and mentioning that it has “provided support and counseling resources” to the Cowboys.
Kneeland’s family acknowledged his death Thursday, conveying they were “devastated by this significant loss.”
Kneeland’s representative, Jon Perzley, also released a statement, expressing he was “shattered” upon receiving the news. Perzley’s complete statement read:
“I am heartbroken to confirm that my client and cherished friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. I witnessed his progression from a hopeful young individual at Western Michigan with aspirations to a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn dedicated his all into every play, every practice session, and every moment spent on the field. To lose someone possessing his talent, spirit, and kindness is a sorrow I can scarcely articulate. My heart is heavy for his family, his teammates, and all who held him dear, and I trust they will feel the support of the entire football community during this incredibly difficult time. I kindly request that you grant his loved ones the privacy and empathy they require as they grieve this profound loss.”
Frisco police released a statement Thursday, indicating they were investigating the matter as a “potential self-inflicted incident,” and believe Kneeland died “from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Police reported they received a call to locate a vehicle that avoided police after a chase. They located the vehicle, which had crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
Officers were additionally called to conduct a welfare check at Kneeland’s residence earlier that evening. They did not establish contact with Kneeland at the residence, as the car pursuit was already underway, according to a police spokesperson to NFL Network.
Officers stated Kneeland left the scene on foot. During the search for Kneeland, authorities were informed that he had “expressed thoughts of self-harm,” as stated in the release. Officers discovered Kneeland at 1:31 a.m. “deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Kneeland’s formal cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The police inquiry is still in progress.
Following an impressive collegiate career, where he tallied 27.5 sacks across five seasons at Western Michigan, Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He participated in 11 games during his rookie season, accumulating 14 tackles, three quarterback pressures, and a fumble recovery.
Kneeland participated in seven games, including three starts, with the team in 2025. During Week 1, he achieved his inaugural NFL sack in a defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. On Monday, Kneeland secured his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
This article will be updated as new information becomes available.
