Dallas Cowboys “Beloved Teammate,” Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland, Dies At 24
on Nov 06, 2025
NFL Player Marshawn Kneeland Dies By Apparent Suicide
Defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, Marshawn Kneeland, died on Thursday, November 6th, in Frisco, Texas. He was 24 years old.
Kneeland’s great-uncle, Preston Kneeland, confirmed the tragic news to The Dallas Morning News when he was contacted by phone. He described his nephew as “an outstanding young man.”
Authorities report that a police chase began around 10:30 pm on Wednesday, November 5th, after an attempt to stop a vehicle believed to be owned and driven by Kneeland. After he refused to stop, DPS Troopers eventually lost sight of the car.
Kneeland’s vehicle was later found abandoned after having been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of the Dallas Parkway. A welfare concern check was conducted at Kneeland’s residence around 11:40 pm that evening, but no one was home.
Kneeland was found deceased near the site of the collision at 1:31 am with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, the football player’s girlfriend called 911 with concerns that he was armed and might “end it all.” She added that he struggled with mental illness. Additionally, the NFL reportedly contacted the Plano Police Department after Kneeland texted his family “goodbye.”
The Dallas Cowboys Remember Marshawn Kneeland
Kneeland had just scored his first career touchdown in the NFL on November 3rd against the Arizona Cardinals. Shortly after news of his untimely death, the Dallas Cowboys shared an official statement remembering their teammate. They wrote:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. He was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The Kneeland Family Issues A Statement
The Kneeland family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement Thursday. They wrote:
“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.”
The family has asked for privacy as they “come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
Read the full statement in the post below.
A statement from Marshawn Kneeland’s family on his passing: pic.twitter.com/poC0RkW1Gw
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 6, 2025
Our thoughts are with Marshawn Kneeland’s loved ones during this difficult time. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
