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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 community is mourning the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
Officials confirmed the 24-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas. Both teams and players throughout the sport have expressed their sadness at the news.
“A tragic loss. Praying for Marshawn’s family, friends and teammates. Gone too soon,” New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson wrote to X.
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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)
“So sad to see the news about our NFL brother!” Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons posted to X. “Even when someone wears the biggest smile, make sure you just check in on them. You just never know man. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all go through things that we sometimes hide!”
“If you or someone you know needs emotional support, reach out to the National Mental Health Hotline: 988. You are not alone.”
“Hard to process the terrible news from Dallas. Just tragic,” NFL great JJ Watt wrote to X.
The Western Michigan Broncos’ Lance Taylor, head coach at Kneeland’s alma mater, said he was devastated.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player – he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy and smile were infectious and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. After coaching him during my first season here, it sounded like we developed well beyond a special football season here.”
COWBOYS’ MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD OF SUICIDE AFTER POLICE CHASE IN TEXAS, OFFICIALS SAY
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sept. 28, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“His passion for life and his teammates was unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is heartbroken and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.”
Bilhal Kone, a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens and a teammate of Kneeland’s at Western Michigan, said he can’t wait to make Kneeland proud with his play.
“Rip bro you were a big figure to me more than a teammate more than a brother you were hope! Helped my dream come true when I saw you achieve it. Can’t wait to make you proud playing through your energy,” Kone wrote to X.
“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 deeply throughout our community. We are working to ensure the players get the support they need and our condolences go out to Marshawn’s family and loved ones,” the NFLPA said in a statement.
COWBOYS DEFENSIVE END MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD AT 24
Marshawn Kneeland (94) of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the sidelines during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“To our player members, please remember that grief can be difficult to navigate. Lean on each other and take care of your well-being. We encourage you to reach out to us for wellness support or use the NFL Life Line.”
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.
His car was later found abandoned and authorities began searching the area. Kneeland was later found dead.
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.
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)
Police said that during their search they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.”
He was found around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Frisco police said the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, but he appeared to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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.
