Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died in the early morning hours of Thursday, November 6, 2025, following a police chase that began late Wednesday night near the team’s facility in Frisco, Texas. The 24-year-old second-round draft pick was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after a multi-agency search. Authorities indicated Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations during the incident.
At approximately 10:33 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers tried to pull over a vehicle for a traffic violation while traveling north on the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop, prompting a pursuit that required assistance from Frisco police.
After losing visual contact with the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on a southbound lane of the Dallas North Tollway near Warren Parkway. Kneeland had fled the scene on foot. Around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Plano officers responded to a welfare concern at Kneeland’s luxury apartment complex in the 6000 block of Columbus Avenue, but no one was home.
Police dispatch audio obtained by authorities revealed disturbing details about the hours leading to Kneeland’s death. His girlfriend, who was not identified by authorities, told police Kneeland was armed, had a history of mental illness and would end it all. Minutes before midnight, police indicated they were on the phone with the NFL when they learned Kneeland had already texted his family goodbye.
Using police dogs and drones, search teams located Kneeland in the area around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. He was discovered dead from what appeared to be a gunshot wound he had inflicted on himself. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
The Cowboys released a statement expressing profound sadness. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the statement read. The team extended prayers and sympathy to Marshawn’s family.
Jonathan Perzley, agent for Marshawn Kneeland, expressed deep sorrow over the player’s passing. Perzley said he was devastated to confirm that Kneeland, both his client and close friend, died the previous night. He recalled watching Kneeland grow from a determined young athlete at Western Michigan into a respected member of the Dallas Cowboys, noting that the defensive end approached every game, practice, and moment on the field with unwavering dedication and heart.
The Kneeland family issued their own statement Thursday, noting they were processing the depth of their grief. They described Marshawn as kind, determined, humble and full of love, emphasizing his roles as a devoted son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend. His great uncle, Preston Kneeland, told reporters his nephew was an outstanding young man and a gentle giant whom the family loved very much.
The tragedy struck just days after Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. In the Cowboys’ 27-17 defeat, he jumped on a blocked punt in the end zone to score, sharing the moment with teammates in celebration. The moment represented a career milestone for the young defender who had worked tirelessly to reach the professional level.
Kneeland was selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the 56th overall pick, out of Western Michigan. His rookie campaign showed promise before a knee injury sidelined him for five games. He recorded his first career sack in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and appeared in seven of the Cowboys’ nine games this season. In 18 career games, Kneeland compiled 26 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defended.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended high school in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. At Western Michigan, he recorded 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks across four years, earning second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors his senior season with 57 tackles.
Western Michigan head football coach Lance Taylor expressed his devastation, noting Kneeland was much more than an incredible football player. Taylor said they developed a special bond during his first season coaching at the university that went far beyond football, describing Kneeland’s passion for life and his teammates as unmatched.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott addressed the tragedy Thursday, telling reporters it had been a very tough day with a heavy heart. “This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody,” Prescott said. He emphasized the importance of not taking moments in life for granted and encouraged people to hug and love those around them. Former Cowboys star Micah Parsons, who was traded in August, posted on social media expressing his sorrow and hoping Kneeland found peace.
Kneeland’s mother, Wendy, had passed away unexpectedly in February as he prepared for the NFL scouting combine. He carried her ashes in a small urn on a chain around his neck, telling reporters in June that she was still with him and watching over him. His mother had helped him through his younger years in football, and he credited her with supporting his dream of reaching the NFL.
The NFL released a statement expressing deep sadness and offering support and counseling resources to the Cowboys organization. The NFL Players Association indicated Kneeland’s impact on those around him was immeasurable and his loss was felt profoundly across the community. The Cowboys are currently on their bye week, with their next game scheduled for November 17.
