🚨 BREAKING: Tragedy in Dallas — Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, 24, Dies After Police Chase; Brian Schottenheimer Calls It “An Unthinkable Loss for Our Family” 💔
The Dallas Cowboys community is reeling after the devastating news that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, just 24 years old, has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a late-night police chase in Frisco, Texas.
According to the Frisco Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the tragedy began late Wednesday when officers attempted to pull Kneeland over for a traffic violation. Kneeland failed to stop, and a brief pursuit followed before officers lost sight of his vehicle. It was later found crashed, and during a search of the nearby area — aided by K-9 and drone units — police discovered Kneeland deceased at 1:31 a.m. Thursday morning.
Authorities said that just two hours before the incident, officers had responded to a “welfare concern” at Kneeland’s home in Plano but were unable to make contact with anyone.
In a heartbreaking statement, Kneeland’s family said they are “devastated by this tremendous loss,” remembering him as not only a rising NFL star but also “a devoted son, brother, and friend whose kindness and humility touched everyone around him.”
The Dallas Cowboys organization released an emotional message shortly after:
“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 are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer spoke publicly on Thursday, calling Kneeland’s passing “an unthinkable loss for our family.”
“This isn’t just about losing a player — it’s about losing one of our own,” Schottenheimer said. “Marshawn had a heart as big as his talent. He brought energy and humility to every practice, every meeting, every game. His presence lifted everyone around him. We’ll carry his fire with us for the rest of this season and beyond.”
A 2024 second-round pick, Kneeland was in the middle of his second season with Dallas and had already shown immense promise. He recorded his first career sack in Week 1 against Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts, and just weeks later, he scored his first touchdown on Monday Night Football after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.
Off the field, Kneeland was widely admired for his discipline and drive. His former coach Mike Zimmer recalled:
“He didn’t take anything for granted. He studied hard, worked harder, and loved the game. My last words to him were, ‘Keep being you — you’re going to have a great career.’”
As the Cowboys and the NFL family mourn his passing, tributes continue to pour in from players, coaches, and fans who saw in Kneeland not just a gifted athlete, but a young man whose future seemed limitless.
💔 Gone far too soon, Marshawn Kneeland’s spirit and light will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him — on and off the field.
