Cowboys Marshawn Kneeland committed suicide after police chase in Texas, authorities say
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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Details about the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland were revealed Thursday after officials confirmed the 24-year-old NFL pro died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a statement detailing the events of Wednesday night that ultimately led officials to find Kneeland “deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
According to officials, DPS officers attempted a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m. when the driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop. Authorities initiated a chase but eventually lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, ending the chase.
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His car was later found abandoned and authorities began searching the area. Kneeland was later found dead.
Frisco police, who assisted in the DPS chase, issued a statement saying officers found the abandoned vehicle “minutes later” and that Kneeland was believed to have fled on foot.
Police said during their search they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideation.”
Marshawn Kneeland (94) of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
He was located around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. Frisco police said the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, but he appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Cowboys first issued a statement confirming the news of Kneeland’s death.
COWBOYS DEFENSIVE FINISH MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEATH AT AGE 24
“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.”
Kneeland’s family released a statement shortly after his cause of death was revealed.
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. While Marshawn made his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held 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. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
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“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
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