🚨BREAKING: Cowboys Star’s Family Refuses to Claim Body — Files Lawsuit Against Texas Police Hours After Tragic Death
Dallas, TX – November 7, 2025
Just hours after the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, his family has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
— accusing state troopers of reckless pursuit that caused the young player’s panic and ultimately led to his death.
The complaint, filed in Collin County District Court, alleges that DPS officers “violated pursuit policy” by initiating a
high-speed chase over a minor traffic infraction late at night. According to the filing, Kneeland had just left the Cowboys training facility and was driving home when police attempted to stop him on the Dallas North Tollway on November 5.
“Marshawn was not a criminal,” the family said in a statement. “He was a kind soul, a dedicated teammate, and a son any parent would be proud of. If the police hadn’t pursued him that night, he would still be here.”
Authorities said the pursuit began around 10:33 p.m. but was terminated when troopers lost sight of the vehicle. The car was later found crashed along Dallas Parkway, and Kneeland was discovered nearby, dead from a
self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Family attorney Mark Hensley stated the lawsuit aims to hold DPS accountable and push for new regulations banning unnecessary high-speed chases for non-violent offenses. “This was a tragic overreaction to a minor incident,” Hensley said. “Marshawn was scared — not dangerous. And that fear cost him his life.”
The Dallas Cowboys organization has pledged full support to Kneeland’s family, offering legal assistance and establishing a scholarship fund in his name for underprivileged youth athletes. Team owner Jerry Jones
also met privately with relatives earlier this week, promising continued financial help, especially as Marshawn was the family’s only son and had planned to care for his aging parents after retirement.
Cowboys players continue to mourn the 24-year-old defender, calling him “a warrior with a gentle heart.” Just two days before his death, Kneeland had scored his first career touchdown, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.
In their closing remarks, the Kneeland family emphasized that their fight is not for revenge — but for change.
“We can’t bring Marshawn back,” they said. “But we can make sure no other family loses a child to fear and reckless pursuit. His legacy will be justice.”
Across Texas, the tragedy of Marshawn Kneeland now stands as both a heartbreak and a warning — a reminder that one decision on the highway can change countless lives forever.
