Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland dies by suicide at 24; Police had been called to his home

The team announced that Kneeland died early Thursday morning.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died early Thursday from an apparent suicide following a welfare call at his Plano home, police say.

Kneeland was 24 years old.

"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away 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," the team announced Thursday morning.

Plano Police confirmed to NBC 5 that police officers responded to a "welfare concern" at Kneeland's residence at 11:40 p.m. Wednesday but did not find anyone at the home.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said state troopers were involved in a brief pursuit Wednesday night after attempting to stop a driver for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Road in Dallas. The driver refused to stop resulting in a pursuit, DPS said. State troopers lost sight of the vehicle and the pursuit was terminated, but DPS said the vehicle was later found abandoned after a crash on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, not far from the team's headquarters in Frisco.

The DPS said they joined the Frisco Police Department in a search of the immediate area and found the driver, identified as Kneeland, at about 1:30 a.m., deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

NBC 5 obtained a recording of a police dispatcher telling officers that a friend of Kneeland's had called 911 and expressed concern for his welfare after he sent a text message to their group saying goodbye.

Jonathan Perzley, Kneeland's agent, released a statement on Thursday morning, saying Kneeland was a dear friend who poured his heart into becoming an NFL player.

"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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," Perzley said. "Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. 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."

The NFL said Thursday morning that it was "deeply saddened" by the news of Kneeland's death and that it had offered support and counseling resources to the Cowboys.

"The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community. We're working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn's family and loved ones. To our player members, please remember that navigating grief can be difficult. Lean on one another and take care of your well-being. We encourage you to reach out to us for wellness support or use the NFL Life Line.

Kneeland, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. In 18 games, 11 in 2024 and seven this season, the defensive lineman had four QB hits, a sack and 26 tackles (15 solo and 11 assists).

Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday night when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys' loss to the Cardinals.

Jabbar Mayhue, Kneeland's friend and high school strength and conditioning coach, says he congratulated Kneeland by text the day after the touchdown.

"Honestly, I feel like a lot of people got to see him play, but I felt like with the time we shared together, I had the best seat in the house," said Mayhue.

Mayhue says Kneeland was hard-working and determined to succeed, and expressed disbelief over the athlete's untimely death.

"I don't even know if it's real," said Mayhue.

Kneeland's family wrote in a social media post, "We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making 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 brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired."

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If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org -- callers will be connected with trained counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.