Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24 - what was the cause of death?

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, the team announced Thursday.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

How did Marshawn Kneeland die?

A welfare check was requested for Kneeland at around midnight on Thursday morning. The cause of death has been ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, state troopers were pursuing a vehicle for a traffic violation in Keller springs and when the driver refused to stop, they terminated the pursuit. They later found the car and Kneeland dead in the surrounding area.

TMZ reported that police dispatch audio related to Marshawn Kneeland’s death revealed the Cowboys player had texted his family goodbye late Wednesday night, indicating an apparent mental health crisis. According to the audio, Kneeland’s girlfriend told authorities he was armed, had a history of mental health issues, and said he would “end it all.”

The NFL and Dallas Cowboys reportedly contacted Plano police as they tried to locate him, deploying dogs, drones, and other resources in the search. Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, later confirmed his death, calling him a dear friend and praising his dedication and spirit both on and off the field.

Kneeland’s family releases statement

Kneeland’s family released a statement following the news of his death:

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making 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.”

Kneeland’s impact in Dallas

Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (56th overall), had quickly made his presence felt in Dallas. He played in 11 games during his rookie season and appeared in seven this year, recording his first career sack in Week 1. Just days before his death, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during Monday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland starred at Western Michigan University, where he tallied 149 tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 38 games. He had briefly considered transferring to play under Deion Sanders at Colorado in 2022 but chose to finish his college career at Western Michigan.

Before college, Kneeland was a standout at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, setting school records for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. He was also a regional track champion in the 400 meters and an all-conference high jumper.

In 18 career NFL games, Kneeland recorded 26 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass defended.

The Cowboys, currently on their bye week, are scheduled to play the Las Vegas Raiders next on November 17. The organization, teammates, and fans across the league are mourning the loss of a promising young player remembered for his talent, leadership, and infectious energy.

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