Warning: This story contains material some readers may find distressing.
Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, has died.
Kneeland was a second-round pick by Dallas in the 2024 NFL draft (56th overall) after playing college football at Western Michigan. He appeared in 18 games for the Cowboys, making four starts.
Frisco Police in Texas said Kneeland appears to have died by suicide after a vehicle pursuit and a multi-agency search on Wednesday night. Officers said his car had crashed and he fled on foot; they were told he had previously expressed suicidal intentions. He was found dead at 01:31 local time on Thursday. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will confirm the official cause of death.
The Cowboys released a statement calling Kneeland a beloved teammate and member of the organisation, and said their thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said he is heartbroken and praised Kneeland’s hard work and determination, recalling his rise from a hopeful college player at Western Michigan to a respected professional in Dallas.
Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown in Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals when he recovered a blocked punt.
The NFL said it was deeply saddened by the news.
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