The Dallas Cowboys have announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland at the age of 24. The team said in a statement that Kneeland 'tragically passed away this morning' and described him as a 'beloved teammate and member of our organization.'
According to the Frisco police department, Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life after a late-night vehicle pursuit and multi-agency search. Officers said he fled on foot following a crash on the southbound Dallas Parkway on Wednesday night and was later located at around 1:31 a.m. The Collin County medical examiner’s office will determine the cause and manner of death.
Kneeland, selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Western Michigan, played 11 games in his rookie season. He had taken on a more prominent role in 2025 and scored his first career touchdown on Monday, recovering a blocked punt in the endzone during a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. His mother, Wendy, died shortly before he was drafted.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute, saying: '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.' Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor also expressed devastation, calling Kneeland 'a remarkable young man' whose 'leadership, energy, and smile were infectious.'
The NFL released a statement expressing deep sadness and offering support and counselling resources. The Cowboys have experienced the death of a player during a season before; in 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown was killed in a car accident.
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