Dallas Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland Dies at the age of 24
- Vincent Mendoza
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
BY: VINCENT MENDOZA / CHIEF OF SPORTS
On the morning of Thursday, November 6, it was announced that Marshawn Kneeland, defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, passed away at 24 years old in an apparent suicide.
Around 10:40 p.m. on November 5, Texas Department of Public Safety troops attempted to stop a car for a traffic violation near Frisco, a suburb north of Dallas. The driver allegedly refused to stop, and a pursuit had begun.
Public Safety troops and the Frisco Police Department lost sight of the vehicle, but later found it crashed and abandoned on the southbound Dallas Parkway. The driver, later identified as Mr.Kneeland, fled the scene on foot. During the search, officers were informed that he had “expressed suicidal ideations”.
An hour later, around 11:40 pm, Plano police said in a statement that officers responded “to a call for a welfare concern” at an address associated with Kneeland. At 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, officers found Kneeland deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Frisco Police Department stated no timeline regarding Kneeland’s autopsy and does not plan on releasing further details during their investigation. The cause and manner of his death will be determined by the Collin County medical examiner's office.
The Cowboys issued a statement on Thursday morning at 8:35 a.m. on Kneeland's passing:
"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."
Marshawn Kneeland grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he set school records in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks at Godwin Heights High School.
Following high school, Kneeland continued to pursue his football career close to home, attending Western Michigan University. In 38 games played, the defensive end totaled 148 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
While preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland’s mother, Wendy, unexpectedly passed away just before the draft. “It was tough, I had a week to prepare,” he told The Dallas Morning News. “But I had to lock in. I put myself in the best position, and she helped me out a lot just leading up to the draft.” Since that moment, Kneeland honored her by wearing a necklace that held some of her ashes, keeping her and her memories close to him at all times.
His hard work paid off, getting selected by the Cowboys with the 56th pick. In 18 games played, Kneeland recorded 26 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and one sack. On Sunday, November 3, just a few days before his death, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals following a blocked punt by his teammate Sam Williams.
Since his death, teams have honored him with a moment of silence, as seen before Thursday night’s game between the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders, as well as the Indianapolis Colts’ matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin.
His unexpected death is a heartbreaking loss, leaving his family, friends, organization, and fans around the world in profound grief. If it is determined to be a suicide, Kneeland would join the growing list of athletes who have taken their own lives, including, most recently, Louisiana State University wide receiver Kyren Lacy.
It is important to remember that if you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out to family, friends, and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.