The Dallas Cowboys have announced that one of their players, defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, has died. He was only 24 years old and in his second year with the NFL. The Cowboys released the following statement on social media:
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.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 6, 2025
The NFL also made an official statement.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland.
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c
The news shocked football fans as Kneeland appeared healthy and in good spirits when he played in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. The rising defensive star, whom most people seemed to agree had a bright future ahead, actually scored a touchdown after recovering a blocked punt — one of only two the Cowboys would score that night.
This was Marshawn Kneeland on Monday night — recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, living his dream.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 6, 2025
Just a few days later… he’s gone.
So, so heartbreaking. 💔 pic.twitter.com/k4S4gh2P8y https://t.co/0YmjttsSwo
Kneeland, who is a Michigan native, played college ball at Western Michigan University, where he racked up 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks. In 2024, the Cowboys chose him in the second round of the NFL Draft. He was the 56th overall pick.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, said he was "shattered" to learn that his client and one of his "dearest friends" was gone. "Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice and every moment on the field," Perzley added.
He continued, "To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I cannot put into words. My heart aches for his family, his teammates and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time."
Update: Sadly, just as I finished writing this, I'm seeing that Kneeland committed suicide. He allegedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a Texas State Trooper attempted to stop him for a traffic violation, but he didn't comply. Troopers chased his vehicle but lost sight of it and ended the pursuit.
Later, police found the vehicle, abandoned, which had been in a crash, on a southbound lane of Dallas Parkway. Police had also received reports that Kneeland had suicidal ideations.
#EXCLUSIVE 🚨 Marshawn Kneeland texted his family goodbye. His girlfriend told cops he'd "end it all."
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 6, 2025
Dispatch audio: https://t.co/ooLNORPd8T pic.twitter.com/GQyPmy1BK7
After a search, they eventually found his body in the area.
Here is the official statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding the death of Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 6, 2025
The death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
*This statement is for factual informational purposes amid the spread of online rumor* https://t.co/VRQg8FiYiR pic.twitter.com/O08znaXwUQ
Frisco Police released this statement: pic.twitter.com/SoYTfY69rp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 6, 2025
This just goes to show that you never know what kind of demons someone is battling. This young man seemed to have everything one could want, but it wasn't enough. We send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones as they deal with his loss.
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