‎Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24: Full Details of the Tragic Incident

‎Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, has died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement authorities. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, prompting an outpouring of grief across the NFL community.
‎Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.
‎Richard W. Rodriguez/AP
‎The Dallas Cowboys released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss but did not mention a cause of death. The organization described Kneeland as a beloved teammate and extended condolences to his girlfriend, Catalina, and family. Counseling services have been made available to all players, coaches, and staff during the team’s bye week.
‎According to the Frisco Police Department, the events began Wednesday night around 10:39 p.m. CT when officers assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers. Kneeland’s vehicle was later found crashed along the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Authorities reported that Kneeland fled on foot, prompting an extensive search with K-9 and drone units.
‎Dispatch audio later revealed that individuals close to Kneeland had received a message from him saying goodbye, raising concerns for his safety. Approximately three hours after the crash, officers discovered Kneeland with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
‎Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the death and expressed deep sorrow, describing Kneeland as both a talented athlete and a cherished friend. Perzley reflected on Kneeland’s journey from Western Michigan University to the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting his dedication, passion, and perseverance on and off the field.
‎The NFL issued a statement expressing its sadness and confirmed that counseling resources have been offered to the Cowboys organization. Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor also released a statement, describing Kneeland as a remarkable young man whose leadership and positivity had a lasting impact on teammates and coaches alike.
‎Kneeland, selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 56 overall), was recognized for his relentless playing style and strong work ethic. Earlier this week, he scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. He had recorded 15 tackles, one sack, and multiple quarterback pressures this season after overcoming earlier injuries.
‎Former Cowboys assistant coach Greg Ellis, who mentored Kneeland, remembered him as disciplined, eager to learn, and deeply respectful. Ellis reflected on his professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement, emphasizing that Kneeland embodied the qualities every coach values in a player.
‎Before joining the NFL, Kneeland built an impressive record at Western Michigan and Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan. Across 38 collegiate games, he recorded 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and multiple forced fumbles, earning second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2023.
‎The Cowboys have faced tragedy before, including the deaths of linebacker Jerry Brown in 2012 and strength coach Markus Paul in 2020. Kneeland’s death marks another devastating moment for the organization and the football community.

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