The Dallas Cowboys and the wider football community are mourning the loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who has died at the age of 24.
Sudden, Tragic Circumstances
Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan Broncos, was found dead early Thursday morning in a Dallas suburban area.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, his death followed a vehicle pursuit — the car was located abandoned after a crash, and officers later found Kneeland with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities say officers lost sight of the vehicle and then received information that Kneeland may have been suicidal.
A Brief, Promising Career
Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. Over his two seasons in the league, he appeared in 18 games and recorded 26 tackles and one sack.
Just days before his death, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt and scored his first NFL touchdown in a Monday night game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Team’s Statement
The Cowboys issued a statement Thursday. “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.”
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, described the loss of Kneeland as “a pain I can hardly put into words,” remembering him as a young man who “poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.”
Deep Grief, Big Questions
While the team confirmed the death, the official cause remains under investigation. Some reports indicate Kneeland died by suicide following the pursuit. A dispatch audio reported by media sources reveals that Kneeland’s girlfriend had contacted authorities expressing concern that he was armed and threatening to “end it all.”
In the wake of his passing, the Cowboys and the NFL have offered grief‐ and crisis-counselling resources for teammates, staff and family members.
Legacy & Remembrance
Born July 8, 2001 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland starred at Godwin Heights High School, then rose at Western Michigan before entering the NFL.
Although his professional career was still at its early stage, teammates and coaches praised his work ethic, humility and determination. Former coach Mike Zimmer said, “He was a great person, eager to learn … tough. My last conversation with him was ‘keep being you, you’re going to have a great career.’”
His sudden loss sent an outpouring of grief across the league, with many pointing to how fragile life can be, even for elite athletes.
A Moment to Reflect
In the days ahead, the Cowboys organization will hold tributes and remembrance for Kneeland. The league, too, is likely to examine how to better support players’ mental‐health and wellness off the field.
For anyone impacted by crisis or emotional distress, the U.S. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.
