Police in a suburban area of Dallas announced that 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was found dead from an apparent suicide. His death followed a vehicle chase where he evaded law enforcement after a traffic violation and subsequently fled the scene of a crash on foot. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, with Frisco police confirming they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suicide.
According to Frisco police, Kneeland did not stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, which initiated a chase that was eventually joined by the local police. After losing sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, authorities discovered it crashed shortly afterward. All the while, officers received reports that Kneeland might be suicidal, amplified by a disturbing group text he had sent to acquaintances, indicating he was saying goodbye. In recordings from Broadcastify, police dispatchers noted that his girlfriend expressed serious concerns for his safety, stating he was armed and had a history of mental illness, even mentioning, "He will end it all."
Kneeland's body was found early Thursday morning with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, approximately three hours after the vehicle crash. Police did not disclose the specific location of where he was discovered. Efforts to reach Kneeland through calls and texts were reported, and drones were utilized during the search for him after the crash.
In a show of solidarity, the Denver Broncos held a moment of silence for Kneeland before their game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, and they displayed his image on the scoreboard. Kneeland had recently showcased his skills on the field, recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown just days prior during a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
This season marked Kneeland's second year with the Cowboys, having been a second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan in 2024. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, expressed profound sorrow over Kneeland's passing, stating, "To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words." Kneeland had been sidelined earlier during the season due to a knee injury but had recently been making strides, recording his first career sack in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys organization released a statement mourning his loss, highlighting Kneeland's beloved status among teammates and expressing condolences to his girlfriend Catalina, family, and friends. Kneeënad's mother had passed away suddenly while he was preparing for the draft, and he wore her ashes in a necklace as a tribute.
The NFL also extended its condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland." The league mentioned that it had reached out to the Cowboys to offer support and counseling resources during this difficult time. Similarly, other figures from the NFL community, like Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, shared their heartbreak, highlighting the personal connections formed with Kneeland during his recovery period from injury.
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor shared his grief over the loss, recalling Kneeland’s positive spirit and impact on the team. Tributes from various players and coaches poured in, emphasizing the need for mental health awareness. Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons spoke publicly about the importance of checking in on friends, emphasizing that one can never truly know what someone else might be going through.
Kneeland's tragic end underscores a serious issue within professional sports, where mental health struggles often remain obscured under the pressures of athletic performance. His story serves as a reminder of the emotional battles many face, even amidst apparent success, and the importance of awareness and support for mental health issues in the community.
