Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead on Thursday morning after he fled from law enforcement, according to Texas authorities. He was 24 years old and in his second NFL season.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said that Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing from state troopers who attempted to stop his vehicle for a traffic violation. After Kneeland got away from state troopers, his vehicle was found wrecked and abandoned, and the NFL player fled the scene on foot. Kneeland was found dead by DPS troopers at around 1:30 a.m.
Kneeland’s death came just three days after he scored his first touchdown in the NFL when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
This was Marshawn Kneeland on Monday night — recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, living his dream.
Just a few days later… he’s gone.
So, so heartbreaking. 💔 pic.twitter.com/k4S4gh2P8y https://t.co/0YmjttsSwo
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 6, 2025
Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ revealed that Kneeland’s girlfriend and family were concerned about his wellbeing on Wednesday night after he reportedly texted them, saying “goodbye” and that he would “end it all.” Kneeland’s girlfriend also told police that Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental issues, according to the dispatch audio. The Plano Police Department said that officers responded to a “welfare concern” and checked an address associated with Kneeland at around 11:40 p.m., but did not make contact with him, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Kneeland contributed in each of the team’s seven games this season, recording six total solo tackles and one sack. The Cowboys drafted Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Godwin Heights High School, where he set school records for tackles and sacks. Kneeland went on to play his entire college career at Western Michigan University and was named a second-team All-Mid-American Conference player in 2023.
In his rookie season in Dallas, Kneeland recorded 17 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and had a fumble recovery, despite missing six games with a knee injury.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, added, “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.”
This article has been updated with additional information.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
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