In a tragic and sudden turn of events, Marshawn Kneeland, defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has died by suicide at the age of 24.
Authorities with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) say the sequence began on the night of Wednesday, Nov. 5 when troopers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Kneeland over a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd. Kneeland refused to stop, a pursuit ensued, but troopers lost sight of the vehicle. The car was later located abandoned after a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, in Frisco.
During the search, officers with DPS and the Frisco Police Department received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideation. At approximately 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, officers located Kneeland deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gun-shot wound.
The Cowboys released a statement saying: “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 are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University. He had recently scored his first career touchdown by recovering a blocked punt, just days before his death.
His death has shaken the NFL community and raised renewed focus on mental-health concerns among athletes. The NFL and Dallas organization have offered counseling and support services to those affected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts: please call or text 988, or visit 988Lifeline.org for free confidential crisis support.
