Daily Voice
By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland sent a final text message to his family just moments before allegedly taking his own life, according to police dispatch audio obtained by People.
Kneeland, 24, was found dead early Thursday, Nov. 6, hours after leading police on a chase in Frisco, Texas.
“They just received a text from him, a group text from him saying goodbye,” authorities said on the dispatch recording, according to the outlet. “They're concerned for his welfare.”
Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, told police that "he is armed and has a history of mental illness and her quote was, ‘He will end it all,' " People reported.
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, from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kneeland’s death stunned the Cowboys and NFL community, coming just days after he scored his first NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone in the nationally televised Monday Night Football game on Nov. 3.
He was in his second season with Dallas, having been drafted in the second round in 2024 out of Western Michigan.
Kneeland’s family released a statement on social media:
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” Kneeland's relative Nicole Kneeland-Woods wrote on behalf of the family.
“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.
"He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy."
Earlier, the Cowboys released a statement on Thursday 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.”