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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, police and team officials confirmed. Authorities said the young player was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, following a police chase in Frisco, Texas.
According to a statement from the Frisco Police Department, the incident began Wednesday night when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation around 10:30 p.m. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, reportedly fled, leading to a pursuit that ended when his vehicle crashed along southbound Dallas Parkway. Police said Kneeland ran from the scene on foot, and during the search, officers were informed that he had expressed suicidal intentions. At 1:31 a.m., he was found dead nearby.
The Collin County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death, though police are investigating it as a possible suicide.
The Cowboys issued a statement expressing their grief, saying Kneeland was "a beloved teammate and member of our organization." They extended their condolences to his girlfriend Catalina and his family, adding that counseling resources have been made available to players and staff.
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed his death, describing the loss as "a pain I can hardly put into words." He recalled Kneeland's journey "from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys," emphasizing his dedication and spirit both on and off the field.
The NFL also expressed its sorrow, saying it was "deeply saddened" by the death and would provide support to the Cowboys and Kneeland's loved ones.
Before joining the NFL, Kneeland had a standout college career at Western Michigan University, where he played from 2019 to 2023 and earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors. He recorded 149 tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 38 games.
Selected by the Cowboys as the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland played 18 career games, totaling 26 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Just days before his death, he had scored his first NFL touchdown after recovering a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals.
Cowboys assistant coach Greg Ellis remembered Kneeland as a hardworking and respectful young man who "epitomized what you look for in a football player."
