Cowboys’ Kneeland dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound after police pursuit

This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Details surrounding the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland were revealed Thursday after officials confirmed the 24-year-old professional NFL player died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement detailing the events of Wednesday evening that ultimately led officials to determine that Kneeland had “died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 28, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

Officials say DPS troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m. when the driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop. Authorities engaged in a pursuit but eventually lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, ending the pursuit.

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His car was later found abandoned and authorities began searching the area. Kneeland was later found dead.

Frisco police, who participated in the DPS chase, released a statement saying the abandoned vehicle was found by troopers “a few minutes later” and that Kneeland allegedly fled on foot.

Police said that during their search they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.”

Marshawn Kneeland (94) of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the sidelines during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

He was located around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Frisco police said the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County medical examiner’s office, but it appears he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Cowboys initially released a statement confirming the news of Kneeland’s death.

DEFENSIVE AID FROM COWBOYS MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD AT 24

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Kneeland’s family released a statement shortly after his cause of death was revealed.

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. While Marshawn made his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field – as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend. He was kind, determined, humble and full of love. His light shone in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through countless hearts he inspired.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 3, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

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“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we gather as family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”

Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.

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