FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
The Cowboys issued a brief statement saying they were “extremely saddened” by Kneeland’s passing and asked for privacy for his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family. The team has made counseling resources available to players, coaches and staff; the roster is on its bye week and is not scheduled to practice until Monday.
According to the Frisco (Texas) Police Department, officers assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety after a vehicle involved in a trooper pursuit entered the city at about 10:39 p.m. CT Wednesday. DPS troopers located Kneeland’s vehicle crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Kneeland reportedly fled the scene on foot, and officers searched the area using K-9 and drone units.
While officers were searching, a dispatcher reported that people who knew Kneeland had received a group text from him “saying goodbye” and were concerned for his welfare, according to public safety recordings. Approximately three hours later, authorities found Kneeland with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement that he was “shattered” by the loss and asked for privacy for the family and teammates. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field,” Perzley said. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
The NFL said it was “deeply saddened” by Kneeland’s death and has offered support and counseling resources to the team.
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor remembered Kneeland as more than a player, saying his leadership, energy and smile left a lasting impact on the program. “My heart is absolutely broken,” Taylor said, noting a special bond developed while coaching Kneeland. The Cowboys’ former assistant and longtime NFL defensive end Greg Ellis praised Kneeland’s work ethic and character, saying he “epitomized what you look for in a football player” and that Kneeland routinely sought extra work and film study. Ellis added, “I wish I could’ve done more to help him in other areas of his life.”
Kneeland was a second-round pick (56th overall) out of Western Michigan in the 2024 draft. In Monday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded the Cowboys’ first touchdown when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone. This season he missed two games with injury and was credited with 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries. As a rookie, Kneeland missed six games with a knee injury and finished with 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback pressures, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery.
A Michigan native, Kneeland set high school records for tackles, sacks and tackles for loss at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Mich., before starring at Western Michigan. In 38 collegiate games he had 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections, and was a second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection in 2023.
The Cowboys organization noted that the loss follows other in-season tragedies in recent years, including the 2012 death of linebacker Jerry Brown and the 2020 death of strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul. The team and league have emphasized counseling and support for players and staff in the wake of Kneeland’s death.
The family and team have asked for privacy as they grieve. The Associated Press contributed to this report.