Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, was found dead early Thursday morning in an apparent suicide, hours after fleeing authorities following a vehicle crash, police reported.
His death came just days after he scored his first professional touchdown during Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals.
Frisco police said Kneeland failed to stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during a vehicle pursuit Wednesday night, according to the Associated Press.
Officers from Frisco joined the chase, but authorities lost sight of his vehicle before it was later discovered crashed on Dallas Parkway.
While searching the area, police received reports that Kneeland had expressed suicidal intentions.
He was found dead approximately three hours after the crash, though the exact location of his body has not been released.
The Dallas Cowboys issued a statement expressing profound sadness over Kneeland’s passing, calling him a “beloved teammate and member of our organization.”
The team extended condolences to his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, and his family.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared, “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
According to the Daily Mail, Kneeland was drafted in the second round in 2024 out of Western Michigan and was in his second NFL season.
He appeared in 18 games for the Cowboys, recording 26 tackles and one sack.
Earlier this season, he scored a touchdown by recovering a blocked punt against the Cardinals.
During his rookie year, Kneeland played 11 games, registering his first career sack against Philadelphia, while missing time due to ankle and knee injuries.
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School, where he earned first-team all-state honors in football and excelled in track and field, achieving all-region recognition in the 400-meter run and all-conference honors in the high jump, according to The Detroit News.
At Western Michigan, he played parts of five seasons, totaling 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and multiple forced fumbles across 38 games.
In 2023, he posted nine games with 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
The NFL community paid tribute following his death.
Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor said, “He 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.”
Cowboys teammates and other NFL players also honored Kneeland on social media.
Tight end Jake Ferguson posted, “Love you brother” alongside black hearts, and linebacker Kenneth Murray shared a graphic reading, “Fly high brother.”
Kneeland faced personal tragedy before his NFL career.
His mother, Wendy Kneeland, died unexpectedly last April while he was preparing for the draft.
The Daily Mail notes that he carried a small urn with her ashes on a necklace throughout his time with the Cowboys.
The NFL and NFL Players Association expressed condolences and highlighted the importance of mental health support for players coping with grief.
They emphasized the need for resources to assist athletes during difficult times and offered guidance for those struggling after Kneeland’s death.
Kneeland’s career and personal journey reflected resilience and dedication.
From excelling in high school sports to making an impact in the NFL, he inspired teammates, coaches and fans alike.
His loss is deeply felt across the football community, and his legacy will be remembered both on and off the field.
