Marshawn Kneeland 

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

The cause of death for Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died at age 24, has been released.

Authorities say Kneeland died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Frisco, Texas.

According to a statement from the Frisco Police Department, the incident began late on Wednesday, Nov. 5, when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers pursued a vehicle into Frisco that had evaded them during a traffic stop. 

Officers located the crashed vehicle on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway and identified the driver as Kneeland, who fled the scene on foot. A multi-agency search was launched, including K-9 and drone units.

During the search, police were informed that Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts. He was found dead at approximately 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6 from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination on the cause and manner of death as the investigation continues.

Kneeland’s death stunned the Cowboys and NFL community, coming just days after he scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday, Nov. 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. 

The young defensive end was in his second season with Dallas, having been drafted in the second round in 2024 out of Western Michigan.

The Cowboys released a statement expressing sympathy for Kneeland’s loved ones: “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.”

Frisco police said no further details would be released at this time, and extended their condolences to the Kneeland family and friends.