Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24 in Apparent Suicide
Marshawn Kneeland Dies: Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland, who was a defensive end, has died at the age of 24. Police and the team said on Thursday morning that his death appears to be a suicide.
Details About Marshawn Kneeland Death
Marshawn Kneeland died on November 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, at the age of 24, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
He is remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans as a talented young athlete with great potential, a positive spirit, and a deep love for the game of football.
According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland was found early Thursday morning with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after officers had been searching for him overnight. The search began when a vehicle matching his description evaded Texas Department of Public Safety troopers around 10:39 p.m. CT Wednesday, entering Frisco city limits.
Troopers later discovered Kneeland’s vehicle crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. The Cowboys player reportedly fled on foot, prompting an extensive search involving K-9 and drone units. Roughly three hours later, officers located Kneeland deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said he had expressed suicidal ideations prior to his death.
The Dallas Cowboys released an emotional statement Thursday morning:
“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.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the devastating news, describing it as “a pain I can hardly put into words.”
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly express.”
The NFL also issued a statement expressing sorrow and confirmed it is offering support and counseling resources to the Cowboys organization.
Cowboys officials have made counseling services available for players, coaches, and staff during their bye week.
Western Michigan University head coach Lance Taylor, who coached Kneeland in college, also paid tribute:
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. He was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious. He will forever be part of the Bronco brotherhood.”
Kneeland was in his second NFL season after being selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Just two days before his death, he made headlines for scoring his first NFL touchdown after recovering a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals.
This tragedy marks another heartbreaking moment for the Cowboys franchise, which has experienced previous losses, including linebacker Jerry Brown’s death in 2012 and strength coach Markus Paul’s passing in 2020.
Some Facts About Marshawn Kneeland
Full name: Marshawn Kneeland
Born: July 8, 2001 — Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Died: November 6, 2025 — Frisco, Texas, U.S.
Age: 24
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight: 269 lb (122 kg)
Position: Defensive End
NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys (2024–2025)
College: Western Michigan University (2019–2023)
Draft: 2024 NFL Draft — Round 2, Pick 56
High School: Godwin Heights (Wyoming, Michigan)
Early Life and High School Career
Marshawn Kneeland was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in Wyoming, Michigan, where he attended Godwin Heights High School. A versatile athlete, he played both linebacker and tight end.
As a senior, he recorded 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense and caught 20 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense. His performance earned him multiple college offers, and he eventually committed to Western Michigan University.
College Career at Western Michigan (2019–2023)
Kneeland became a standout defensive player for the Western Michigan Broncos, appearing in 38 collegiate games. Over his five seasons, he amassed 149 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three pass deflections.
He was named Second-Team All-MAC in 2023 after finishing the season with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss in nine games. His strong leadership and consistent play made him one of the most respected players in the program.
NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys (2024–2025)
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland as the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played 11 games as a rookie, posting 14 tackles despite missing six games due to a knee injury.
In 2025, Kneeland appeared in seven games, contributing 12 tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery. His most memorable moment came in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone to score the Cowboys’ first touchdown of the game.
His NFL career totals include:
- Games Played: 18
- Total Tackles: 26
- Sacks: 1.0
- Fumble Recoveries: 2
- Touchdowns: 1
- Pass Deflections: 1
Pre-Draft Combine Results
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 267 lb (121 kg) |
| Arm Length | 34½ in |
| Hand Span | 9⅛ in |
| 40-yard Dash | 4.75 s |
| 10-yard Split | 1.66 s |
| 20-yard Split | 2.77 s |
| 20-yard Shuttle | 4.18 s |
| Three-Cone Drill | 7.02 s |
| Vertical Jump | 35.5 in |
| Broad Jump | 9 ft 11 in |
| Bench Press | 21 reps |
