Marshawn Kneeland was grit, power, and heart. The 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys had fought his way from small-town Michigan to the biggest stage in football, earning his first NFL touchdown just days ago. Fans were still cheering for him when word spread that he had died. It didn't feel real.
But on Thursday, November 6, the organization confirmed the news. "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the Texas 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."
💔 Tragic news: Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has passed away at 24 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police pursuit in Frisco, TX.
The Cowboys confirmed his death, calling him a beloved teammate. Kneeland recently scored his first NFL TD and carried his late mom's… pic.twitter.com/bhjYW2HY0e
— VT Sports (@Vtsportschannel) November 6, 2025
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Shortly after, his agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared a statement that was later posted on X by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," Perzley said.
#Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at the age of 24, his agent tells The Insiders and @SlaterNFL. His statement. pic.twitter.com/9W8hEeoWbl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2025
He went on to explain that Kneeland had "fought his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys," and that he "poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field."
Perzley added that losing someone with Kneeland's "talent, spirit, and goodness" was a pain he could "hardly put into words," saying his heart breaks for the player's family, teammates, and everyone who loved him. He ended the message asking fans and media to give Kneeland's loved ones "the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."
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As for how Kneeland died, officials say it followed a late-night incident in Frisco, Texas.
According to Frisco Police, citing the Texas Department of Public Safety, troopers tried to stop a vehicle on the Dallas North Tollway around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. The driver fled, the car was later found crashed and abandoned, and a short time later, Kneeland was reportedly discovered nearby with what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Collin County Medical Examiner is still finalizing the official cause, and police say the case remains under investigation.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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