Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland dead at 24; suicide suspected

KIRBY LEE-USA TODAY SPORTS

Then-Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys defensive end died this morning, with his death caused by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died this morning, with his death caused by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

He was 24.

Police in Frisco, Texas, issued a news release outlining events that began Wednesday night and resulted in his body being found this morning.

The Frisco department said it was asked by the Texas Department of Public Safety around 10:40 p.m. to help locate a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit” that entered Frisco. Troopers found the car minutes later after it crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway.

The driver, identified as Kneeland, abandoned the car and walked away from the scene. The Texas DPS said a trooper had tried to pull him over for an alleged traffic violation and he did not stop.

After instituting a search using both K-9 and drone units, law enforcement found Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m. Frisco police said they learned Keeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.

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The cause of death will be officially determined by the Collin County medical examiner.

The Cowboys announced the death of Kneeland, a second-year player, earlier in the morning.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the statement said. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

The Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Western Michigan alum had 18 appearances (four starts) in his career, recording 26 tackles, four quarterback hits, one sack and one fumble recovery.

On Monday, in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he recovered a blocked punt in the second quarter to score his first career touchdown.

Agent Jonathan Perzley, of Sportstars Inc., issued a statement about his client.

“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, practice, and every moment on the field,” the statement read. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words. My heart aches for his family, his teammates and everyone who loved him. And I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.

Kneeland experienced heartbreak a few years ago when his mother, Wendy Kneeland, died before the draft.

“It was definitely tough,” Kneeland said after the draft. “I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it.”

See more:Sports Wire

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