‎Dallas Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24 After Apparent Self-Inflicted Gunshot, Authorities Confirm

‎Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died early Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement officials. Authorities reported that Kneeland’s body was found in Frisco, Texas, after a search that began late Wednesday night.

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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, authorities confirm Thursday.

‎Richard W. Rodriguez/AP

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‎The Cowboys released a statement expressing profound sorrow over Kneeland’s passing but did not disclose the cause of death. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.” The team has provided counseling and support resources for players, coaches, and staff during their bye week.

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‎Frisco Police reported that the incident began around 10:39 p.m. CT on Wednesday, when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers pursued a vehicle that entered Frisco city limits. Officers later found Kneeland’s crashed vehicle on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. According to the report, he fled the crash site on foot, prompting a search with K-9 and drone units.

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‎Dispatch recordings revealed that individuals close to Kneeland had received a group text message from him saying goodbye, prompting further concern for his wellbeing. Approximately three hours later, Kneeland was discovered with what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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‎Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the news in a statement filled with grief, describing Kneeland as both a client and a close friend. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “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. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”

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‎The NFL issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened” by the loss and confirmed that counseling resources have been extended to the Cowboys organization.

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‎Western Michigan University head coach Lance Taylor also shared his condolences, reflecting on Kneeland’s impact both on and off the field. “My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” Taylor said. “Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player — he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program.”

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‎Kneeland joined the Dallas Cowboys as a second-round pick (No. 56 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft after a standout career at Western Michigan. He recorded notable rookie stats, including 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback pressures. This season, he was credited with 15 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss, despite missing two games due to injury. His first NFL touchdown came during Monday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.

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‎Former Cowboys assistant coach Greg Ellis, who mentored Kneeland, remembered him as a disciplined and eager player. “He epitomized what you look for in a football player,” Ellis said. “He played the game hard. He was eager to learn. You hear a lot of things about this generation, but that wasn’t Marshawn. He was still a, ‘Yes, sir. No, sir,’ kind of guy. He wanted extra help with things — that was him. Extra stuff, study film.”

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‎Before entering the NFL, Kneeland starred at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, setting school records in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. At Western Michigan, he played 38 games, amassing 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles, earning second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2023.

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‎The Cowboys organization has experienced tragic losses in previous years, including the 2012 death of linebacker Jerry Brown and the 2020 passing of strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul.