Marshawn Kneeland dies: Police investigating as Dallas Cowboys player dies aged 24

Police are investigating whether Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide.

Kneeland, 24, was a second-round pick out of Western Michigan at the 2024 NFL Draft and scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday night.

Local police in Texas said Kneeland was found dead in the early hours of Thursday morning after "expressing suicidal ideations" following a vehicle pursuit that led to a "multi-agency search" in the city of Frisco on Wednesday night.

"On November 5, 2025, at approximately 10.39pm, the Frisco Police Department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit that entered the city of Frisco," the police statement read.

"After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

"Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units."

After receiving reports Kneeland had expressed "suicidal ideations", police found Kneeland dead around 1.30am Thursday.

Police say the cause of death will be determined by Collin County Medical Examiner's Office and the investigation remains ongoing.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the Kneeland family and friends," said local police.

Marshawn Kneeland 2001-2025

"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," said the Cowboys in a statement.

"Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organisation. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."

Kneeland posted 15 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries in seven games for the Cowboys this season.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland," the NFL said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counselling resources."

Kneeland recorded 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups across 38 games for Western Michigan in college.

He was ruled out for six games due to a knee injury during his rookie year, which saw him amass 17 tackles, 13 quarterback pressures, a pass breakup, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," said Kneeland's agent Jonathan Perzley in a statement, per the NFL.

"I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.

"My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."

The Cowboys are currently on a bye week and are due to return to action at the Las Vegas Raiders in Monday Night Football on November 17 in Week 11.

"The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland," said the NFL Players' Association.

"His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across out community. We're working to ensure that players have the support they need and our condolences are with Marshawn's family and loved one."

NFL and Cowboys pay tribute to Kneeland

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