Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 22: Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, T

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at age 24, the team announced Thursday morning. 

How did Marshawn Kneeland die?

The Latest:

According to a report released by DPS, a sequence of events began around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, when troopers attempted a vehicle stop for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard. 

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 22: Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, T

The driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop, leading to a police pursuit. Troopers ultimately lost sight of the vehicle and ended the pursuit. 

The vehicle was later found abandoned after being involved in a crash in the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Troopers and Frisco Police searched the area and subsequently found Kneeland, 24, who had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No further details regarding the incident or the ongoing investigation were immediately released.

What they’re saying:

The Cowboys organization released a statement regarding Kneeland’s passing:

“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.”

Marshawn Kneeland

The backstory:

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round (56th overall pick) of the 2024 NFL draft out of Western Michigan University.

During the current 2025 season, the defensive end recorded 12 combined tackles, including 6 solo tackles and 1.0 sack through seven games.

At Western Michigan, Kneeland played from 2019 to 2023, finishing his college career with 148 combined tackles and 13.0 sacks.

The Source: Information in this article comes from a statement from the Dallas Cowboys and AP Sports.

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Madi.Marks@fox.com (Madi Marks)

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