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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 community is mourning the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
Authorities confirmed the 24-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot after a police chase in Texas. Teams and players across the sport expressed sadness at the news.
“A tragic loss. Praying for Marshawn’s family, friends and teammates. Gone too soon,” New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson said on X.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland 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)
“It sucks to see the news from our NFL brother!” Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons posted on
“If you or someone you know needs emotional support, contact the National Mental Health Helpline: 988. You are not alone.”
“Hard to deal with the horrible news coming out of Dallas. Just tragic,” NFL great JJ Watt told X.
Lance Taylor of the Western Michigan Broncos, the head coach at Kneeland’s alma mater, said he was heartbroken.
“My heart is absolutely broken by the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player – he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy and smile were contagious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. After coaching him in my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football,” the release said.
COWBOYS’ MARSHAWN KNEELAND DIED BY SUICIDE AFTER POLICE CHASE IN TEXAS, OFFICIALS SAY
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 28, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“His passion for life and that of his teammates was unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated and we send our heartfelt prayers to his family, teammates and all those who loved him. Marshawn will always be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.”
Bilhal Kone, Baltimore Ravens cornerback and Kneeland’s teammate at Western Michigan, said he looks forward to making Kneeland proud with his game.
“Rip brother, you were a great figure for me more than a teammate more than a brother, you were a hope! I helped my dream become (real) by seeing you achieve. I can’t wait to make you proud to play thanks to your energy,” Kone posted on X.
“The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. His impact on those around him was immeasurable and his loss is deeply felt throughout our community. We are working to ensure players receive the support they need, and our condolences go out to Marshawn’s family and loved ones,” the NFLPA said in a statement.
DEFENSIVE AID FROM COWBOYS MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD AT 24
Marshawn Kneeland of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the sidelines during the national anthem before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“To our member players, remember that overcoming grief can be difficult. Lean on each other and take care of your well-being. We encourage you to contact us for wellness support or use the NFL Life Line.”
Officials say Texas Department of Public Safety officers 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.
His car was later found abandoned and authorities began searching the area. Kneeland was later found dead.
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.
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)
Police said that during their search they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.”
He was located around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Frisco police said the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County medical examiner’s office, but it appears he died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He died just days after recording his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
