Marshawn kneeland, 24-year-old defensive end of the Dallas Cowboys, who passed away early Thursday morning
Marshawn Kneeland, the 24-year-old defensive end of the Dallas Cowboys, who passed away early Thursday morning

Marshawn Kneeland
Career & Life Snapshot
-
Kneeland was born July 8, 2001 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and played high school football at Godwin Heights before attending Western Michigan Broncos.
-
He was selected by the Cowboys with the 56th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
-
In his time with Dallas he appeared in 18 games (as of his passing) and had 26 tackles and one sack.
-
Just days before his death, he scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tragic Circumstances
-
On the night of November 5, 2025, authorities began a pursuit when Kneeland did not stop for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway. His vehicle crashed and he fled on foot.
-
Dispatch recordings indicate his girlfriend had told police he was armed, had sent a group-text saying goodbye to family, and that she feared he would “end it all.”
-
The Texas Department of Public Safety stated he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Reactions & Legacy
-
The Cowboys released a statement: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate… Our thoughts and prayers… with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
-
His agent also offered a heartfelt tribute: “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night… To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
-
The incident has rapidly become a stark reminder of the mental-health struggles that can be hidden behind public success—especially in the pressure-filled world of professional sports.
What We Know & What Remains
Known:
-
Age 24, professional athlete in his second NFL season.
-
Involved in police pursuit the night before his death.
-
Evidence of suicidal intent in the form of goodbye messages.
-
Apparent cause: self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Still under investigation:
-
The full context of his mental state and what led to the events.
-
Detailed findings of the medical examiner and official cause/manner of death.
Why This Matters
-
Marshawn Kneeland’s death touches deeply because of how young he was, how recently he achieved key career milestones, and how quickly it all turned tragic.
-
It underscores the urgent need for open conversations around mental-health support for athletes, and for everyone who might be wrestling with unseen burdens.
-
His teammates, coaches, the NFL community—and beyond—are reminded that professional success does not immunize someone from crisis.
A Note for Readers
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Comments
Post a Comment