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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide at the age of 24 Wednesday (November 5) night, according to authorities.
The Frisco Police Department shared a statement revealing that Kneeland was found "deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound" after leading Texas Department of Public Safety troopers on a pursuit and abandoning his vehicle.
"On November 5, 2025, at 10:33 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd. The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers,. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated," the department said in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Thursday (November 6). "The vehicle was later located abandoned and has been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, 24 YOA, Marshawk Kneeland, of Plano, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."
The Cowboys announced Kneeland's death prior to the Frisco Police Deparmtent's update on Thursday.
"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 organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family," the Cowboys said on their official website.
The former Western Michigan University standout was selected by the franchise at No. 56 overall in the second-round of the 2024 NFL Draft and made four starts in 18 appearances during his two NFL seasons. Kneeland's death was announced three days after he recorded his only career touchdown on a recovered blocked punt in the end zone during Dallas' Monday Night Football loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Kneeland recorded 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries during the 2025 season, having missed two games due to injury. The former Western Michigan standout was a second-team All-Mid-American Conference pick during his final collegiate season in 2023, recording 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in nine games.
The Cowboys are currently on a bye week and aren't scheduled to return to practice until November 10.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.