Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by apparent suicide on Thursday, November 6, 2025, following a police chase that ended with authorities discovering his body in Frisco, Texas. The 24-year-old second-round draft pick from 2024 had scored his first NFL touchdown just three days earlier during Monday Night Football.
The incident began around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, when Texas State troopers attempted to stop Kneeland for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit that ended when officers lost sight of his vehicle.
Minutes later, authorities discovered Kneeland’s abandoned vehicle crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Police initiated a search involving K9 units and drones after determining the driver had fled on foot. During the search, Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina called authorities, expressing concern for his well-being.
Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports revealed the gravity of the situation as it unfolded. A dispatcher reported that Catalina indicated Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental illness, stating he would “end it all.” The audio also revealed that Kneeland had sent a group text to his family saying goodbye during the incident.
Officers discovered Kneeland’s body at 1:31 a.m. on Thursday with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Frisco Police Department confirmed his death was by apparent suicide.
The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning expressing their grief. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott spoke publicly about the loss during a field dedication ceremony at his alma mater, Haughton High School. “It’s been a very tough day. It started early this morning, finding out the news. Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today,” Prescott told CBS11. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, I hurt for every single one of my teammates.”
Prescott, a Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner known for his mental health advocacy through his Faith, Fight, Finish foundation, emphasized the importance of seeking help. He told reporters that he organized a team video call after learning of Kneeland’s death, sharing messages of love with his teammates during an impossibly difficult moment.
Fellow defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, founder of The Defensive Line foundation aimed at ending youth suicide, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram. Thomas expressed his anguish over the loss and his wish that Kneeland had known how loved he was.
The NFL honored Kneeland with moments of silence before every game on Sunday, November 9. Indianapolis Colts players took a knee in the end zone before their game against the Atlanta Falcons in Germany, while other teams displayed Kneeland’s image on jumbotrons during pre-game ceremonies.
Lou Esposito, Kneeland’s former defensive coordinator at Western Michigan University, revealed they had spoken recently and planned to meet during Kneeland’s visit home to Michigan during the Cowboys’ bye week. Esposito said he had congratulated Kneeland on his first career touchdown, which came Monday, November 3, when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Kneeland’s family members spoke about their shock and grief. His cousin Jasmine Kneeland, 33, questioned the circumstances leading to his death, describing him as non-violent and generous with family members. The family had planned a reunion in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Kneeland grew up, for later that week.
Kneeland’s uncle Preston told reporters his nephew hated drugs and avoided alcohol, never smoked, and preferred natural remedies over prescription medicine. He confirmed Kneeland had a permit to carry a firearm in Michigan but disputed online speculation about drug involvement.
The loss marked another tragedy for Kneeland’s family. His mother Wendy died in February 2024 at age 45 from an accidental drug overdose at her home in Buckeye, Arizona, just two months before the Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cowboys teammates shared tributes on social media throughout Thursday. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb posted on Instagram expressing his shock, while defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa shared messages of love and respect for his fallen teammate. Safety Juanyeh Thomas expressed frustration with fans who sent insensitive messages about how the tragedy might affect the team’s defensive performance.
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