.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
Dallas Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland Dead at 24, Days After Scoring First Touchdown
More details on the events leading up to Marshawn Kneeland's death have surfaced.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive end was found dead in an apparent suicide on the morning of Nov. 6, just hours after he was involved in a car chase in Texas, according to state authorities.
Kneeland, 24, "refused to stop" for Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers when they attempted to reach him over a traffic violation on the night of Nov. 5, the agency said in a news release obtained by NBC News.
"However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated," the statement continued. "The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway."
Public Safety troopers and Frisco Police Department officers discovered Kneeland's body in the early hours of Nov. 6 after searching the "immediate area" of the car, according to Texas DPS.
In a separate news release, Frisco police said they learned that Kneeland "had expressed suicidal ideations" during their search for the football player.
An official cause and manner of death is pending from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, per authorities.
"At this time, no further details will be released as the investigation remains ongoing," Frisco police said. "Our heartfelt condolences to the Kneeland family and friends."
Kneeland's death came three days after he scored his first NFL touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. At the time, he had recovered a punt blocked by teammate Sam Williams.
Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the Cowboys shared in a Nov. 6 statement. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Kneeland's agent Jonathan Perzley also paid tribute, calling the athlete his "dearest friend."
“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 on Instagram in the wake of Kneeland's passing. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For a look back at Kneeland's life in photos, read on.
Marshawn Kneeland/Instagram
Promising Talent
Marshawn Kneeland's football career started long before his time at the NFL.
During his senior year of high school in Michigan, Marshawn achieved an impressive 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense as well as 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense.
Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A Rising Star
After graduating, Marshawn committed to Western Michigan University, where he achieved 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks across his four years.
Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A Standout Player
During his time at the school, the athlete's work ethic helped him stand out, going to the team's facilities as often as he could to train and watch game footage.
As his coach David Denham put it, "That's when you started to see the gradual separation between him and some of the other guys."
Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Reaching New Heights
Marshawn was the Dallas Cowboys' second-round pick in 2024, the team owner Jerry Jones telling him at the time, "Marshawn, we're gonna put a star on that helmet."
For the young athlete, he tried to soak up every moment. "It's a once in a lifetime experience for me," he said of draft night, "so I'm just excited to be here."
Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Preparing for the Big Leagues
Marshawn's work ethic stuck with him as he transitioned into the NFL, preparing for his first season with the team.
Ric Tapia/Getty Images
The Next Chapter
As for how he was approaching the NFL, Marshawn just wanted to stick to his game plan.
"I'm going to be the same type of player I've always been," he said after being drafted. "Physical, fast, high-fitness, high-effort, high-motor. It's basically going to come down to making plays."
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Putting in the Work
Throughout his almost two seasons on the Texas team, the 24-year-old amassed 26 tackles and one sack across 18 games, including four starts.
Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Milestone Achievement
Just days before his death, Marshawn scored his first touchdown in the league.
As his agent Jonathan Perzley said of the player following his death, "Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
English (US)