• Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound following Wednesday night police chase.
• Texas Department of Public Safety says troopers attempted traffic stop before Kneeland fled, later abandoning crashed vehicle.
• Second-round draft pick scored first career touchdown Monday night, just days before his death at age 24.

FRISCO, Texas (TDR) — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase on Wednesday night, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Troopers attempted to pull over Kneeland, 24, following an alleged traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway around 10:30 p.m., according to Texas DPS. Kneeland allegedly refused to stop and troopers pursued the vehicle until losing sight of the vehicle and stopping the chase, officials said.

The vehicle was later found abandoned after a crash on the Dallas Parkway, the officials said. Kneeland was found dead “in the immediate area” with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Texas DPS said.

Team mourns beloved teammate

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

The Cowboys announced Kneeland’s passing Thursday morning in a statement expressing shock and grief. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Jerry Minton, a spokesman for the Plano Police Department, said Plano officers responded about 11:40 p.m. to a “welfare concern” at an address associated with Kneeland, but no contact was made. DPS troopers, along with Frisco police, searched the area and found the driver dead from the self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The NFL released a statement offering support and resources. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the league said. “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 counseling resources.”

Rising star with promising career

Kneeland was the Cowboys’ second-round pick, 56th overall, in the 2024 NFL draft out of Western Michigan University. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native was in the middle of his second season with the team and had appeared in seven games this year, recording one sack, 15 tackles and six quarterback pressures.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Just three days before his death, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone. The highlight play showcased the young defensive end’s potential and brought joy to teammates who mourned the loss of a promising talent.

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportsstars Inc., released an emotional statement on Instagram. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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,” Perzley wrote.

College career marked by dedication

During his collegiate career at Western Michigan, Kneeland recorded 149 tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles in 38 games. His best season came in 2023 when he earned second-team all-Mid-American Conference honors with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Lance Taylor, Western Michigan head coach who coached Kneeland in 2023, said in a statement: “My heart is absolutely broken. 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.”

Before playing at Western Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. He was also a regional champion in track in the 400 meter and an all-conference high jumper, earning his bachelor’s degree in sport management.

Mental health resources available

Kneeland wore his mother’s ashes on a necklace after being drafted, honoring her memory as he achieved his NFL dreams. His tragic death has prompted the football community to emphasize the importance of mental health support.

The Cowboys are currently in their bye week, with their next game scheduled for Nov. 17. The team has not yet announced how they will honor Kneeland’s memory during upcoming games.

Multiple mental health resources are available 24/7 for those in crisis, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741, and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181.

How can professional sports organizations better support athletes’ mental health to prevent tragedies like this?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10