Dallas Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland Dead at 24, Days After Scoring First Touchdown
Content warning: This story discusses suicide and suicidal ideation.
Marshawn Kneeland had a final message to his loved ones.
Shortly before the Dallas Cowboys defensive end was found dead in Texas on Nov. 6 from an apparent suicide, he reached out to his family through text, according to local officials.
“They just received a text from him, a group text from him saying goodbye,” police said in a dispatch audio reviewed by People. “They’re concerned for his welfare.”
A dispatcher on the call also relayed to authorities that Marshawn’s girlfriend Catalina told officers the 24-year-old had “a history of mental illness.”
“Her quote was,” the dispatcher said, “‘He will end it all.'”
Marshawn’s body was found hours after he had been involved in a car chase with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, per the agency. Texas DPS said the NFL player “refused to stop” when troopers attempted to reach him over a traffic violation on the night of Nov. 5.
“However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated,” Texas TPS noted in a Nov. 6 news release. “The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.”
In the early morning hours of Nov. 6, Texas DPS troopers and Frisco Police Department officers located Marshawn’s body in the “immediate area” of the abandoned car, according to authorities.
An official cause of death is pending from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, police said.
Marshawn’s family released a statement mourning the athlete in the wake of his death, calling his passing a ” tremendous loss.”
“As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field—as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend,” his family—including his siblings AJ Kneeland, Shawn Kneeland and Yahmya Kneeland—shared on Facebook Nov. 6. “His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
For a look back at Marshawn’s life in photos, read on.
Marshawn Kneeland/Instagram
Promising Talent
Marshawn Kneeland‘s football career started long before his time at the NFL.
During his senior year of high school in Michigan, Marshawn achieved an impressive 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense as well as 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense.
Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A Rising Star
After graduating, Marshawn committed to Western Michigan University, where he achieved 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks across his four years.
Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A Standout Player
During his time at the school, the athlete’s work ethic helped him stand out, going to the team’s facilities as often as he could to train and watch game footage.
As his coach David Denham put it, “That’s when you started to see the gradual separation between him and some of the other guys.”
Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Reaching New Heights
Marshawn was the Dallas Cowboys’ second-round pick in 2024, the team owner Jerry Jones telling him at the time, “Marshawn, we’re gonna put a star on that helmet.”
For the young athlete, he tried to soak up every moment. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience for me,” he said of draft night, “so I’m just excited to be here.”
Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Preparing for the Big Leagues
Marshawn’s work ethic stuck with him as he transitioned into the NFL, preparing for his first season with the team.
Ric Tapia/Getty Images
The Next Chapter
As for how he was approaching the NFL, Marshawn just wanted to stick to his game plan.
“I’m going to be the same type of player I’ve always been,” he said after being drafted. “Physical, fast, high-fitness, high-effort, high-motor. It’s basically going to come down to making plays.”
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Putting in the Work
Throughout his almost two seasons on the Texas team, the 24-year-old amassed 26 tackles and one sack across 18 games, including four starts.
Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Milestone Achievement
Just days before his death, Marshawn scored his first touchdown in the league.
As his agent Jonathan Perzley said of the player following his death, “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.”
