Dallas Cowboys announce death of 24-year-old DE Marshawn Kneeland
Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Frisco police said.
- Frisco (Texas) police say the death of Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland is being investigated as a possible suicide.
- Nyland was a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- He recently scored his first NFL touchdown on a blocked punt during a “Monday Night Football” game.
This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died sometime between late Wednesday, Nov. 5, and early Thursday, Nov. 6, according to Frisco, Texas, police. His death is being investigated as a possible suicide.
Kneeland was 24 years old. His agent, Sportsstars’ Jonathan Pursley, said Kneeland died Wednesday night, while the Cowboys said in a statement that he “tragically” passed away Thursday morning.
“We are deeply saddened to share with the Dallas Cowboys that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization.”
Kneeland scored his first touchdown in Dallas’ Monday Night Football loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3 by scooping up a blocked punt in the end zone. The Michigan native played collegiately at Western Michigan University.
Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death
The cause of death was not immediately known, but Frisco police announced at 10:39 p.m. local time on Nov. 5 that they began assisting the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in “locating a vehicle that fled from officers during a pursuit.”
Police lost sight of the vehicle, but several minutes later the vehicle was moved and crashed onto southbound Dallas Parkway. Kneeland was later identified as the person who fled the scene, the release said. Police found Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m., and the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Coroner’s Office.
The NFL said it has been in contact with the Cowboys and is offering support to players and staff.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Marshawn Kneeland of the Cowboys,” the league said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and his teammates.”
The NFL Players Association said it was “deeply saddened” by Nyland’s death.
“His impact on those around him has been immeasurable and his loss is deeply felt across our community,” the union said in a statement. “We are working to ensure our players receive the support they need and our condolences go out to Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”
The Cowboys selected Nyland in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 draft. He started three games this season and recorded 12 tackles.
“I am shocked to learn that my client and beloved friend, Marshawn Kneeland, passed away last night,” Pursley said in a statement. “…Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. Losing a man of his talent, spirit, and goodness is an indescribable pain. His family, teammates, and others who loved him. My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives and I wish them all the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. Please allow his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need to grieve this incredible loss.
The Western Michigan football community also expressed their heartbreak.
“My heart is completely broken by the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was more than just a great football player. He was a great young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally,” head coach Lance Taylor said in a statement. “His leadership, energy and smile were contagious and left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Coaching him during my first season here created a special bond that went far beyond football.
“His passion for life and his teammates was unparalleled. Our entire Bronco football family is devastated. We send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and everyone who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco Brotherhood.”
