Police in a Dallas suburb say 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after evading authorities in his vehicle and fleeing the scene of an accident on foot.
Frisco police said Thursday they are investigating the possible suicide. They said Kneeland didn't stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers over a traffic violation in a chase that was joined by Frisco police on Wednesday night.
Authorities lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed minutes later. During the search after Kneeland fled the crash site on foot, officers said they received word that Kneeland might be suicidal. He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, about three hours after the crash. Police didn't say where Kneeland's body was found.
Kneeland was in his second season in the NFL after being drafted by the Cowboys in 2024 out of Western Michigan University.
"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the team said in its statement. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.”
In his second season, Kneeland had become a more prominent member of the Cowboys’ defensive line. He recorded six solo tackles and six assisted tackles in seven games.
Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown Monday in the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.
The NFL released a statement following his death.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, his family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources," the league said.
The Cowboys have a bye week before playing the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 17.
If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
