Cowboys' Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Dies Following Police Pursuit in Texas

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys and a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been confirmed dead following a police chase in Texas.

On Thursday morning, the Cowboys confirmed Kneeland’s untimely death, as reported by ESPN and the NFL.

“It is with profound sorrow that the Dallas Cowboys announce the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland this morning,” the team expressed in a statement, according to ESPN. “Marshawn was cherished by his teammates and all members of our organization. Our hearts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family during this difficult time.”

Authorities in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, reported that Kneeland was discovered with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a vehicle pursuit at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. The pursuit began when a vehicle, suspected to be Kneeland’s, fled from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The vehicle was found crashed shortly thereafter.

Frisco Police said Kneeland, who “had expressed suicidal ideation,” then fled the scene on foot. At around 1:30 a.m., authorities found Kneeland, deceased.

“The cause [and] manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office,” Frisco Police said, adding that the investigation remained ongoing.

Agent Jonathan Perzley earlier asked for privacy.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) celebrates after he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard Rodriguez)

The defensive end played for Western Michigan University before being drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 2024.

Kneeland died just days after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to Arizona on Monday night. His rookie season was off to a promising start before he was sidelined for five games by a knee injury.

Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this season against Philadelphia. He played in seven of the nine games this year.

When Nexstar’s WOOD spoke to Kneeland before the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland said any team that took him would see he’s the “hardest worker in the building.”

“You’re going to get the same guy every day. You’re going to get a hard-working, pretty good energy, and just the guy who knows what he wants, knows that he’s not going there to play around. He wants to be the best,” Kneeland said at the time. “Anybody that comes through … they’re not going to work harder than me.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.