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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The NFL is asking all teams to observe a moment of silence on Sunday for Dallas Cowboys rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who died last week, ESPN reported.
The league reportedly sent a memo to all teams on Friday requesting the moment of silence, which will be followed by a message on jumbotrons that will read: “If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 to help.”
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) takes the field during the team’s training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, Calif., on July 25, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kneeland died early Thursday morning, just days after recording his first NFL landing Monday evening.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Frisco Police Department later released statements confirming that Kneeland had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wounds after a police chase in Texas.
COWBOYS DEFENSIVE END MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD AT 24
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Nov. 3, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
Kneeland’s agent Jonathan Perzley paid tribute to the young NFL player in a lengthy statement, remembering him for his “spirit” and “kindness.”
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful child at Western Michigan with a dream of becoming a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice and every moment on the field. Losing someone of his talent, spirit and kindness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
According to officials, DPS troopers attempted a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m., when the driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop. Authorities engaged in a pursuit but eventually lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, ending the pursuit.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) stands on the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
His car was later found abandoned and authorities found Kneeland dead nearby.
Frisco police, who assisted in the DPS pursuit, released a statement saying the abandoned vehicle was found by troopers “minutes later” and that Kneeland is believed to have fled on foot.
Police said that during their search they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.”
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
