Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide after police chase in Texas. Image: Sky Sports.
(The Post News)– Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died at the age of 24 on Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the NFL and the team’s fan base.
The club announced the news in a brief statement, describing Kneeland’s passing as “tragic,” expressing “extreme sadness.” In the statement, the Cowboys conveyed condolences to Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.
The 24‑year‑old, a second‑round pick from Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft, had appeared in 18 games (four starts) over two seasons, recording 26 tackles, a sack, and a blocked‑punt recovery for a touchdown in his final game against the Arizona Cardinals. According to authorities, Kneeland’s death followed a late‑night police chase on Wednesday.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard. The driver refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit that was terminated after the vehicle was lost from sight.
His car was later found abandoned and involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. According to reports, a search of the area resulted in Kneeland being located deceased from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound, confirming reports of suicide.
The NFL and the NFL Players Association also issued statements of support, noting that counseling resources have been made available to his teammates and Kneeland’s loved ones. Meanwhile, Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, described him as a dedicated teammate whose passion for the game was evident in every practice and snap.
The sudden death of Kneeland has left a void in the Cowboys’ defensive unit as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, Nov. 17, at Allegiant Stadium. The team is currently on a bye week and will return to practice on Nov. 10.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated that the club will use the upcoming week to honor the memory of Kneeland and to support his family and teammates through this difficult time. In addition to the Raiders matchup, the Cowboys have a busy schedule ahead, with games against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 23 and a potential playoff push later in the season.
The team’s next home game after the Raiders will be a Thanksgiving Day showdown with the New York Giants on Nov. 27, followed by a road trip to AT&T Stadium for a rematch with the Eagles. Cowboys have pledged to keep Kneeland’s legacy alive through community outreach and charitable initiatives, with plans to establish a scholarship fund in his name for former Western Michigan football players pursuing higher education.
The loss of Kneeland has united the Cowboys’ locker room and the broader NFL community in grief, while also highlighting the importance of mental health resources for players and staff. As the team mourns, they remain focused on the upcoming season’s challenges and on honoring Kneeland’s contributions both on and off the field.
Marshawn Kneeland’s Achievements
College career
Kneeland played defensive end for Western Michigan from 2019‑2023. He recorded 148 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks over five seasons. Earned Second‑Team All‑MAC honors in 2023 after posting 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a rushing touchdown.
NFL draft
He was selected 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
Professional career (2024‑2025)
Kneeland appeared in 18 games (four starts) across two seasons and accumulated 26 total tackles (15 solo), one sack, and one pass defended. He scored his first (and only) NFL touchdown in Week 9 of the 2025 season, recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
These highlights capture Kneeland’s rise from a standout college player at Western Michigan to a promising defensive lineman with the Cowboys, marked by steady production and a memorable score just days before his untimely death.
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