Marshawn Kneeland shot dead: Cowboys DE's cause of death revealed as Texas police share reports from pursuit

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died aged 24 on Thursday morning, the team confirmed later in the day. While no cause of death was initially revealed, reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety have stated that Kneeland was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a pursuit near Frisco, Texas.

As per reports, Kneeland's death has been ruled a suicide. However, there is an investigation that is still ongoing.

According to reports, DPS Troopers attempted to stop Kneeland's vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard on Thursday night. When he refused to stop, it led to a pursuit with DPS Troopers. When the Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, the pursuit was terminated.

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However, Kneeland's vehicle was later located, where the Cowboys player was found deceased. Reports state the car had also been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Many fans sent their condolences to Kneeland's family after the player's death.

Marshawn Kneeland scored first career TD in the NFL just three days before his death

Late Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland - Source: Getty

Marshawn Kneeland scored the first and only touchdown of his NFL career in the Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9 on Monday night. He recovered a blocked punt in the end zone in the second quarter to

The Cowboys took Kneeland with the No. 56 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He played 11 games as a rookie, posting 14 tackles (nine solo), one pass defended and one fumble recovery.

In the 2025 season, Kneeland appeared in seven games, recording 12 tackles (six solo), one fumble recovery and a touchdown.

The Cowboys (3-5-1) will travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, Nov. 17, following their BYE in Week 10.

Edited by Arnold