Second-year player Marshawn Kneeland had scored his first career touchdown on Monday.
Published November 6, 2025
Warning: This story contains details about suicide that some readers may find disturbing. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, help and support is available. Visit 988 Lifeline to learn more about our support services.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, the National Football League franchise announced.
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Police in Frisco, Texas, announced Thursday that Kneeland appears to have taken his own life after becoming involved in a vehicle pursuit and multi-agency investigation late Wednesday.
Police said Kneeland failed to stop for a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer Wednesday night for a traffic violation.
They said officers from the Frisco Police Department joined in the pursuit of Kneeland’s car, which was found shortly before 11 p.m. local time (5 a.m. Thursday Thursday) after crashing on the southbound Dallas Parkway.
The driver, identified as Kneeland, abandoned the vehicle and left the scene. Texas State Police said a trooper attempted to pull over a man for a traffic violation, but he did not stop.
After launching a search using both a K-9 and a drone unit, law enforcement found Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m. Thursday.
Frisco police said they learned Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts after responding to a call Wednesday night. The official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Coroner.
The Cowboys announced the passing of second-year player Nyland on Thursday.
“The Dallas Cowboys are deeply saddened to share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the statement said.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers for Marshawn are with his girlfriend Katarina and his family.”
On Monday, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
“I watched him go from a hopeful kid with dreams at Western Michigan University to a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys,” the player’s agent, Jonathan Pursley, said in a statement.
“Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, practice and every moment on the field. Losing a man of his talent, strength and goodness is an indescribable pain. My heart aches for his family, teammates and everyone who loved him.”
