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.
- Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has passed away at the age of 24.
- Police ruled his death a possible suicide.
- Kneeland’s body was discovered by authorities after a vehicle pursuit and search.
- The Collin County Coroner’s Office will ultimately determine the official cause of death.
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.
On the morning of November 6th, the NFL world was shocked when the Dallas Cowboys announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. Later that day, the Frisco (Texas) Police Department released further details about Kneeland’s death.
The 24-year-old Kneeland, who was drafted in the second round last year out of Western Michigan University, started three games in his second year as a pro, briefly gaining attention during the Cowbees’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3 at AT&T Stadium.
More information will be released in the coming days and weeks. So far, here’s what we know about what happened to Kneeland.
Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death
Frisco police called Neeland’s death a “possible suicide,” saying she suffered an “apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound” and was “expressing suicidal thoughts.”
When will we find out about Marshawn Kneeland’s death?
Frisco police have not released a timeline for Neeland’s autopsy and will not release further details while the investigation is ongoing. The cause and circumstances of his death will be determined by the Collin County Coroner’s Office.
Marshawn Kneeland’s timeline of death
Frisco police were involved in what turned out to be Kneeland’s final hours on Nov. 5 after a vehicle pursuit involving another agency entered Frisco, where the Cowboys’ training facility is located.
10:39pm CT, November 5th: Frisco police, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, conducted a search after a vehicle believed to be driven by Kneeland fled authorities after entering the city. Police said authorities found the vehicle that had crashed but was abandoned, and Neeland appears to have left the scene on foot. K-9 units and drones were dispatched to search for him.
November 6th 1:31am (Central Time): Kneeland’s body was found with what appeared to be a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound.
When will the Cowboys play again?
Dallas’ week started off rocky, with the team losing 27-17 to the Cardinals on Monday Night Football, dropping their record to 3-5-1. Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for his only touchdown as a professional. Despite the loss, owner Jerry Jones moved to acquire linebacker Logan Wilson and Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams ahead of the league’s trade deadline, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
But it ended in tragedy as the focus shifted from the soccer field to Kneeland.
The Cowboys will have a bye in Week 10. The next game will be an “MNF” date against the Raiders on November 17th in Las Vegas. Players typically do not speak to reporters during bye week.
What is being said about Marshawn Kneeland
Reactions to his death continued throughout November 6th. Neyland’s agent for the Cowboys and Western Michigan was one of the prominent voices reflecting on his life.
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