Dallas, TX – November 6, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys are mourning the loss of one of their own. Second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has tragically died at the age of 24, the team confirmed in a heartbreaking announcement Thursday morning.
“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 Cowboys said in an official statement.
Earlier reports did not disclose the cause of death, but on Thursday evening, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released an official statement detailing the tragic sequence of events that led to Kneeland’s passing:
“On November 5, 2025, at 10:33 P.M., Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd. The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.
The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, deceased from a
self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 56 overall) out of Western Michigan, had quickly become one of Dallas’ most promising young defenders. Just days before his passing, he scored his
first career touchdown during Monday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals — recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.
“Only two days ago, Marshawn Kneeland recovered a blocked punt and scored a touchdown… Marshawn was only 24 years and is gone way too soon.”
— MLFootball
Through the 2025 season, Kneeland appeared in seven games, recording 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hurries. Despite battling injuries during his rookie year, he was widely respected inside the locker room for his relentless effort and professionalism.
Kneeland’s football journey began in Wyoming, Michigan, where he starred at Godwin Heights High School, setting school records for tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. At Western Michigan
, he became one of the most productive pass rushers in the MAC, finishing his college career with 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 38 games. His 2023 senior season earned him Second-Team All-MAC honors after totaling 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss in just nine games.
The Cowboys are currently on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to practice until Monday, giving the organization time to process the loss of a player who had quickly become a fan favorite and locker room presence.
Kneeland becomes the second Cowboys player in recent memory to pass away during the season. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown tragically died in a car crash involving teammate Josh Brent.
The NFL community has since poured out condolences online, remembering Marshawn Kneeland not just for his talent, but for his humility, energy, and devotion to the game.
Rest in peace, Marshawn Kneeland — forever a Cowboy.
