The NFL community is mourning the devastating loss of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by apparent suicide on Wednesday night at just 24 years old. The tragedy unfolded merely days after the rising star had scored his first professional touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during Monday Night Football.
The incident began at around 10:30pm when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop Kneeland for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway. However, the defensive lineman refused to pull over, sparking a police chase during which officers lost sight of his vehicle. His car was later discovered abandoned and crashed on Dallas Parkway.
Kneeland's girlfriend, Catalina, had immediately contacted authorities after receiving a distressing message. In dispatcher communications, she warned that he was armed, had a history of mental illness, and stated that "he will end it all."
Marshawn Kneeland
According to police dispatch audio, Kneeeland had sent a heartbreaking farewell message to his family in a group text shortly before his death. "The subject is texting his family goodbye," the authorities stated on the dispatch recording.
At approximately 1:31am, three hours after the initial pursuit, Kneeland's body was discovered near his vehicle with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Tributes Pour in For Marshawn Kneeland
The Dallas Cowboys announced Kneeland's passing on Thursday, the 6th of November, describing him as a "beloved teammate and member of our organisaton."
His family also released a poignant statement, which read: "As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he helped an even more special place off the field - as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend. He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love."
Marshawn Kneeland
The timing of the tragedy makes it all the more heartbreaking. Just two days earlier against the Arizona Cardinals, Kneeland had achieved a significant career milestone by recovering a blocked punt in the endzone for his first professional touchdown, a moment that should have marked the beginning of a promising career.
The Grand Rapids native was selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University. In nearly two seasons with the Cowboys, he appeared in 18 games and recorded 26 tackles and a single sack.
Tragically, this wasn't the first devastating loss his family had endured recently. In February 2024, just two months before he was drafted, his mother, Wendy, died unexpectedly. He honoured her memory by wearing her ashes in a small urn on a necklace after being drafted. "She spent her life trying to get me to go here and supported me as much as she could to get me to the NFL," Kneeland said at the time.
Marshawn Kneeland
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute: "I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream of 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."
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, reflected on their final conversation: "My last conversation with him was keep being you, you're going to have a great career."
The NFL Players Association emphasised the importance of mental health awareness: "To our player members, please remember that navigating grief can be difficult. Lean on one another and take care of your well-being."
The Cowboys don't return to training until Monday due to their week 10 bye, before facing the Las Vegas Raiders on the 17th of November. The Friso Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kneeland's death.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or know someone who is, support is available. In the UK, the Samaritans can be reached at any time on 116 123 or at samaritans.org. In the US, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.