Marshawn Kneeland, a Dallas Cowboys defensive end, died in early November 2025 at age 24. Authorities described the death as an apparent suicide after Kneeland evaded police in a vehicle and then fled on foot; he was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident followed a period of concern expressed by his girlfriend and others, and it occurred in the Dallas area after a traffic stop pursuit. The Cowboys issued a statement mourning his loss and expressing heartbreak over the tragedy, while public reports note that the medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death. Context and what’s confirmed
- Kneeland was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from Western Michigan and had appeared in multiple games in his rookie season with the Cowboys.
- Frisco police and other Texas authorities investigated the events surrounding the pursuit, the vehicle crash, and Kneeland’s subsequent disappearance before the discovery of his body. The investigation was ongoing at the time of reporting.
- Reports state that Kneeland was found deceased due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with authorities indicating suicidal intent or ideation in the moments surrounding the chase and disappearance. The exact cause will be confirmed by the medical examiner.
What to know going forward
- Official autopsy results and the medical examiner’s ruling would provide the definitive cause and any contributing factors.
- The Cowboys publicly mourned Kneeland, emphasizing his character and contributions to the team, while noting the impact on teammates and staff.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest official statements or summarize the major outlet reports in more detail, or help locate mental health resources if you or someone you know is affected by this news.
