© REUTERS / Tim Heitman
(Dallas, TX) – The NFL has been rocked by a tragedy, as Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland is dead at the age of 24. Reports say his death is being investigated as a potential suicide. Texas police say Kneeland was involved in a police chase of some kind on Wednesday night before he eventually fled and crashed. Not far from the vehicle, he was found, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kneeland was taken in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, out of Western Michigan. He’d just recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football win over the Arizona Cardinals.
In a statement, the Cowboys said: “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.” They did not mention the crash or potential cause of death. Counseling services have been made available to all players, coaches, and other staff members. The Cowboys are off for their bye and won’t report for practice until Monday.
The Frisco, Texas police say they responded to a vehicle evading troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety around 10:39 PM central time on Wednesday night. After the vehicle crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway, Kneeland was eventually found dead — approximately three hours after the initial chase.
Police say they received information that Kneeland had expressed “suicidal ideations.” Jonathan Perzley, Kneeland’s agent, said his death is a “pain I can hardly put into words.”
Perzley’s statement continued: “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. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
The Cowboys described Kneeland as “a beloved teammate and member” of the franchise.
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts — help is available. Your life is precious. You can speak with someone today — in English and Spanish — at the Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Just dial 988. It’s available 24/7 — 365 days a year.
