DALLAS, November 7:The Dallas Cowboys and the NFL community are mourning the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland, a promising 24-year-old defensive lineman who reportedly died by suicide following a police pursuit in Texas, according to international media reports on Thursday.
The Frisco Police Department stated that Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life after crashing his vehicle and fleeing on foot on Wednesday night. Authorities confirmed that he had earlier expressed suicidal intentions before being found dead at 1:31 a.m. local time on Thursday.
The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
In an official statement, the Dallas Cowboys called Kneeland “a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” extending their condolences to his family and girlfriend, Catalina.
“Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the Cowboys said.
The NFL also expressed its grief, stating it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a player remembered for his passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid an emotional tribute, saying:
“My heart aches for the loss of a player who gave everything he had. I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan to becoming a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys.”
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (56th overall), Kneeland emerged as one of the Cowboys’ rising defensive talents after an impressive collegiate career at Western Michigan University.
During his rookie season, Kneeland featured in 18 games, made four starts, and recorded his first NFL touchdown in Tuesday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt.
Kneeland’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the Cowboys organization and the wider NFL community, leaving teammates, fans, and coaches in deep mourning for a player who had only just begun to realize his potential.
