Tragic End for Promising NFL Star
The American football community is mourning the loss of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide at just 24 years old earlier this month. The talented athlete's death came after a history of mental health struggles during his college years that prompted multiple police welfare checks.
Kneeland, selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had spent five successful seasons with Western Michigan University's football programme. His promising career was cut short on November 5th when he drove at nearly 150mph before crashing his vehicle and later taking his own life.
History of Mental Health Interventions
According to ESPN reports, Western Michigan police conducted two welfare checks on Kneeland during his college career. The first occurred in June 2023 when coaches became concerned that he possessed a firearm following a relationship breakdown.
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Esposito contacted authorities to ensure Kneeland was mentally fit to possess a firearm after learning he had recently separated from his girlfriend. Campus police records show that Kneeland voluntarily surrendered his weapon for safekeeping until cleared by a counsellor.
Just twelve days later, Kneeland received his firearm back after obtaining a letter from a Western Michigan Sindecuse Health Center social worker. The professional determined he presented no threat to himself or others following examination.
Three years earlier, in 2020, another concerning incident prompted police intervention. One of Kneeland's friends contacted emergency services with worries about his welfare. Officers found him near railway tracks where he confessed to suicidal thoughts.
The responding officer documented that Kneeland admitted sitting across the tracks hoping a train would end his life. When questioned, he revealed that general life pressures combined with limited playing time on the Western Michigan football team had left him feeling depressed for an extended period.
Despite refusing medical assistance, Kent County sheriff's deputies transported him to a Kalamazoo, Michigan hospital for evaluation.
Final Hours and Tragic Outcome
The events leading to Kneeland's death began around 10:30pm on November 5th when a Texas Department of Public Safety officer clocked him speeding. The NFL player made several unsafe lane changes while passing other vehicles before evading the attempted traffic stop.
Minutes later, police discovered his Dodge Charger had crashed into another vehicle before coming to rest in a field. Kneeland had fled the scene, leaving behind an empty gun holster without the firearm.
During the ensuing search operation, which included canine units, Kneeland sent a group text message to his family saying goodbye. His girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, alerted authorities that he possessed a weapon and she feared he would harm himself.
Tragically, searchers found Kneeland's body in a portable toilet around 1:30am on November 6th. He had suffered a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Western Michigan's athletic department released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss, noting that Kneeland had utilised mental health resources during his time at the university. They described him as deeply loved within the community and highlighted his growth into a team captain and programme leader who graduated from Western Michigan University.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit http://988lifeline.org for immediate support.
