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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the 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.
Officials confirmed that the 24-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas. Teams and players alike all across the sport have expressed their sorrow about the news.
“A tragic loss. Praying for Marshawn’s family, friends, and teammates. Gone too soon,” New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson posted to X.
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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/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“It sucks seeing the news of our NFL brother!” Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons posted to X. “Even when someone is carrying the biggest smile, make sure to just check in on them. You just never know man. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all through things that we sometimes hide!”
“If you or anyone you may know that needs emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. You are not alone.”
“Difficult to process the horrible news out of Dallas. Just tragic,” NFL great J.J. Watt posted to X.
The Western Michigan Broncos’ Lance Taylor, the head coach at Kneeland’s alma mater, said he was heartbroken.
“My heart is absolutely broken over 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 infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football,” the statement read.
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 Sept. 28, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated, and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.”
Bilhal Kone, cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens and a teammate of Kneeland’s at Western Michigan, said he can’t wait to make Kneeland proud with his play.
“Rip brother you was a big figure to me more then a teammate more then a brother you was hope! Helped my dream come (true) seeing you make it. Can’t wait to make you proud to play through your energy,” Kone posted to 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 felt profoundly across our community. We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved ones,” the NFLPA said in a statement.
COWBOYS DEFENSIVE END MARSHAWN KNEELAND DEAD AT 24
Marshawn Kneeland (94) of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
“To our player members, please remember that navigating grief can be difficult. Lean on one another and take care of your well-being. We encourage you to reach out to us for wellness support or use the NFL Life Line.”
According to officials, DPS troopers attempted to make 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 chase.
His car was later found abandoned, and authorities began searching the area. Kneeland was later found dead.
Frisco police, which assisted in the DPS pursuit, released a statement saying that the abandoned vehicle was found by troopers “minutes later” and that Kneeland was believed to have fled on foot.
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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 Nov. 3, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
Police said that during their search, they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.”
He was located at around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Frisco police said that the official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, but he appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 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.
‘ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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