Dallas Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland dies aged 24

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24.

Kneeland’s tragic passing was confirmed by the team on Thursday.

A statement from the Cowboys read: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning.

“Marshawn was a beloved team-mate and member of our organisation. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Kneeland drafted by the Cowboys out of Western Michigan in the second round last year.

His death comes just three days after Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown, recovering a blocked punt for a score in the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Kneeland’s agent Jonathan Perzley said in a statement: “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.

“My heart aches for his family, his team-mates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community at 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 Frisco Police Department later released a statement on the circumstances surrounding 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.

It read: “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. 

“If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.”

Kneeland spent five years with Western Michigan, racking up 148 combined tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He also registered three pass breakups and three forced fumbles.

He played in 18 games for the Cowboys, registering 26 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack.