The NFL world has been plunged into tragedy following news that Dallas Cowboys defensive linesman Marshawn Kneeland has died aged 24.
Kneeland was a second-round pick by Dallas in the 2024 draft and played 18 times for the team, including four starts.
On Monday, he scored his first career NFL touchdown when he recovered a blocked punt during a 27-17 defeat by Arizona Cardinals.
However, in the early morning of Thursday (around 1.30am) he was found dead, with local police in Texas reporting Kneeland had ‘expressed suicidal ideations’ earlier following a vehicle pursuit that led to a ‘multi-agency search’ in the city of Frisco on Wednesday night.
The report that too that found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, but the coroner has yet to determine the cause of death.
Police statement about Marshawn Kneeland’s death
‘A man was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following an outside agency vehicle pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco.
‘On November 5, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., the Frisco Police Department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit that entered the city of Frisco. After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
‘Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units.
‘During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations. Kneeland was later located at 1:31a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause/manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
‘At this time, no further details will be released as the investigation remains ongoing.
‘Our heartfelt condolences to the Kneeland family and friends.’
Dallas Cowboys’ statement about Kneeland’s death
Dallas Cowboys are in mourning about Kneeland’s death and released a sort statement calling him a ‘beloved team-mate’.
‘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 organisation.
‘Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.’
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said his ‘heart aches’ for the death of a player who “poured his heart” into every moment.
‘I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,’ he said in a statement, per the NFL.
‘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.
‘My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.’
The Cowboys are currently on a bye week and are due to return to action at the Las Vegas Raiders in Monday Night Football on November 17 in Week 11.
