Update:
Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ reveals Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland took his life after an apparent mental health episode.
Frisco Police say they found Kneeland with a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a portable toilet following a pursuit.
Kneeland’s girlfriend said she received a “concerning message” from her boyfriend saying he would “end it all.”
The defensive end, who scored a touchdown over the weekend against the Cardinals, allegedly had evaded troopers during a pursuit.
“After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway,” Frisco Police said.
“Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX, fled the scene on foot.”
“Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units.”
“Kneeland was later located at 1:31a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The Dallas Cowboys confirmed heartbreaking news on Thursday, Nov. 6 — defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at just 24 years old.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., shared that the Michigan native passed away Wednesday night, while the team’s official statement said he “tragically passed away this morning.”
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization.”
Kneeland had recently gained national attention during the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3, where he scored Dallas’ first touchdown of the game — scooping up a blocked punt and taking it into the end zone.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland played his college ball at Western Michigan University, where he became known for his explosive play and leadership on defense before being drafted into the NFL.
As of now, no cause of death has been released by his agent or the team.
The news has rocked the football community and Cowboys fans across the country, many of whom had been watching the young defensive end quickly rise through the ranks in his rookie season.
While details remain limited, teammates and fans have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of Kneeland’s passion for the game and positive energy in the locker room.
Fast Facts
Name: Marshawn Kneeland Age: 24 Team: Dallas Cowboys (Defensive End) College: Western Michigan University Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan Notable Moment: Scored Cowboys’ first touchdown in Monday Night Football game vs. Cardinals (Nov. 3, 2025) Cause of Death: Not yet released
