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This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The NFL is asking all teams to observe a moment of silence Sunday for Dallas Cowboys rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who died last week, ESPN reported.
The league reportedly sent a note to all teams on Friday asking for a moment of silence, which will be followed by a message on jumbotrons that read: “If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to help.”
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) walks on the field during the team’s training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California on July 25, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
Kneeland died early Thursday morning, just days after recording his first NFL landing Monday evening.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Frisco Police Department later released statements confirming that Kneeland had died of a self-inflicted gunshot injured following a police chase in Texas.
DEFENSIVE AID FROM COWBOYS MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD AT 24
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 3, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute to the young NFL player in a lengthy statement, remembering him for his “spirit” and “kindness.”
“I’ve watched him make his way from a hopeful child to Western Michigan with the dream of being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn put his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. Losing someone with their talent, spirit and kindness is a pain that I can hardly express in words. ยป
Officials say DPS troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m. when the driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop. Authorities engaged in a pursuit but eventually lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, ending the pursuit.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) stands on the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
His car was later found abandoned and authorities found Kneeland dead nearby.
Frisco police, who participated in the DPS chase, released a statement saying the abandoned vehicle was found by troopers “a few minutes later” and that Kneeland allegedly fled on foot.
Police said that during their search they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.”
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall 2024 NFL Draft. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
