Marshawn Kneeland: Dallas Cowboys Star Dies at 24, What Caused His Death?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Sad news has engulfed the world of American football after Marshawn Kneeland, a talented young defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was confirmed dead.

The 24-year-old passed away on Thursday morning, November 6, 2025, leaving his family, teammates, and the entire NFL community in deep sorrow.

Marshawn Kneeland's death was ruled a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a dramatic police chase, as reported by TMZ.

The tragic incident stemmed from a traffic violation the night before, which led to the discovery of his body in Frisco, Texas.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c

— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2025

The events that led to the death of Marshawn Kneeland began on Wednesday evening, November 5, 2025, at approximately 10:30 PM CST.

Officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) attempted to stop Kneeland's vehicle for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway.

Kneeland, who was behind the wheel, refused to stop, sparking an intense police pursuit.

Although officers lost track of his vehicle for a time, the pursuit was eventually called off.

A short time later, Kneeland's vehicle was found abandoned after a crash on Dallas Parkway in Frisco.

Initial reports indicated that a man, later identified as Kneeland, fled the scene on foot.Frisco police and DPS officers immediately launched a search of the area.

During the search, critical information was received that Kneeland had expressed "suicidal ideation."

Tragically, Marshawn Kneeland was found dead at approximately 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to TMZ, he was found in a portable toilet after police used a thermal imaging camera.

A moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland. pic.twitter.com/2lgv8Sk2mw

— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys released an official statement expressing their deep sorrow for this tragic loss.

They called Marshawn a beloved teammate and member of the organization, and offered prayers for his girlfriend, Catalina, and his entire family.

Jonathan Perzley, Marshawn Kneeland's agent, also expressed his deep sorrow.

He remembered his client as a close friend who rose from a promising young man at Western Michigan to a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys.

Perzley emphasized Kneeland's incredible dedication and spirit.

The NFL also expressed its deep sorrow over this tragic news.

Marshawn Kneeland was a second-round pick (56th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft, drafted out of Western Michigan.

He was in his second season with the Dallas Cowboys, showing great potential as a defensive end.

Three days before his death, Kneeland had just scored his first NFL career touchdown.

This historic moment came after he recovered a blocked punt in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, demonstrating his significant contribution to the team.

In the 2025 season, Marshawn Kneeland played in seven of the Cowboys' nine games.

During that time, he recorded one sack, 15 tackles, and six quarterback pressures.

As a rookie in 2024, Kneeland played in 11 games with one start, although he missed six due to injury.

Beyond his brilliant performance on the field, Marshawn Kneeland also had a challenging personal background.

His mother, Wendy, died shortly before he was drafted into the NFL, a loss that undoubtedly left a profound impact on him.

The clip was recorded Wednesday night as a dispatcher in Texas is heard relaying information from Kneeland's girlfriend, who said she received a disturbing message from the 24-year-old and was trying to contact his defense agent.

The girlfriend said Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental health issues, and she was quoted as saying he was going to "end it all.".

For anyone who needs help or is feeling depressed, various organizations provide suicide prevention resources and crisis counseling.

In the United States, individuals can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Seeking help is a courageous and important step.