Introduction

Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died in early November 2025. His sudden death shocked the NFL community just days after he scored his first career touchdown — and raised urgent questions about what happened that night. Reporting indicates Kneeland died by apparent suicide following a police pursuit; officials and the team have asked for privacy as the family and club mourn.

Early Life and Background

Born in 2001, Marshawn Kneeland played college football at Western Michigan, where his physical edge and tenacity drew NFL attention. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and established himself as a hard-nosed rotational defensive lineman in his second season. Teammates and coaches praised his work ethic and quiet leadership on and off the field.

Family, Parents, and Siblings

Kneeland’s family has kept much of their private life out of public view amid grieving. The Cowboys organization and his agent issued statements of sorrow and support, and family members requested privacy as they process their loss. The club extended condolences to his relatives and close partner.

Education

Kneeland attended Western Michigan University, where he developed as a defensive lineman and earned recognition for his physical play and relentlessness. His time in college prepared him for life in the NFL and shaped his approach to the game.

Career or Profession

After a standout college career, Kneeland was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. In the NFL he appeared in 18 games, recording tackles and making a memorable impact when he scored his first NFL touchdown just days before his death. Coaches noted his progress and potential — a player on the rise whose life and career were cut tragically short.

Relationship or Personal Life

Reports say Kneeland was in a relationship with a woman named Catalina, whom the Cowboys named in their public statement of condolence. Friends and teammates remembered him as devoted to family and close to his partner. The team and his agent asked that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Cause of Death — What Officials Have Said

Law enforcement investigators say Kneeland died by apparent suicide after a late-night traffic incident in Frisco, Texas. According to police reports and multiple news outlets, he failed to stop for officers, led them on a short vehicle pursuit, crashed, and fled on foot. Dispatch audio and police detail indicate he sent a group text to family members suggesting suicidal intent; later he was found deceased, and authorities reported the death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County medical examiner’s office and police are the official sources of the cause-of-death determination, and media outlets have cited those findings.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact local emergency services or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.). If you are outside the U.S., seek your local crisis resources.

Net Worth

Kneeland was early in his professional career, and public profiles show modest career earnings typical of a second-year NFL player. Estimates of his personal net worth vary and are not publicly verified; his greatest legacy at this stage remains his football contributions and the relationships he formed in the game.

Interesting Facts

• Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown only days before his death, an emotional professional milestone.

• Police dispatch audio released to media indicates he texted family before the pursuit, saying goodbye, which investigators considered as part of the timeline.

• The Cowboys and the NFL have issued statements of condolence and urged respect for the family’s privacy while offering grief support to teammates.

 

Social Media Presence

Kneeland maintained a public profile consistent with many young athletes — focused on football, training, and family moments. In the hours after his death, teammates, fans, and the league used social media to offer condolences and tributes, spotlighting both his athletic contributions and the broader need for mental-health awareness.

Recent News or Updates

Media reporting in the days after Kneeland’s death has emphasized the sequence of events — the traffic stop, pursuit, crash, flee, and the dispatch audio revealing a goodbye text — while noting official determinations remain the purview of the medical examiner and law enforcement. The Cowboys organization confirmed his passing and the NFL requested moments of silence and extended grief support. Coverage has also highlighted the team’s outreach to Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina and family.

Conclusion

Marshawn Kneeland’s death is a tragic reminder that success on the field does not make someone immune to private pain. He was a young athlete with potential, whose brief, bright career and recent personal milestones will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans. As investigators and the family seek answers, the football community has rallied in grief and reflection — and many have called for renewed focus on mental-health resources for players at every level. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact local crisis services or dial 988 in the United States.

FAQ

Q1: Who was Marshawn Kneeland?
A1: Marshawn Kneeland was a 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, drafted in the second round in 2024 after a college career at Western Michigan.

Q2: What was the reported cause of death?
A2: Authorities reported Kneeland died by apparent suicide after a late-night vehicle pursuit and foot chase; media reporting states he was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Official findings are attributed to the medical examiner and police.

Q3: Did Kneeland leave any message?
A3: According to police dispatch audio and reporting, Kneeland sent a group text to family members that has been described as a goodbye prior to the police pursuit.

Q4: Who has the Cowboys organization said?
A4: The Dallas Cowboys confirmed his passing, issued condolences to family and his girlfriend Catalina, and offered support to teammates and staff while asking for privacy.

Q5: Where can someone get help?
A5: If you or someone you know needs help, contact local emergency services or call/text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.; international callers should seek local crisis resources.