Police are investigating whether Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide.
Nyland, 24, was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan and scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday night.
Local police in Texas said Kneeland was found dead early Thursday morning after “expressing suicidal thoughts” following a vehicle pursuit that led to a “multi-agency search” in Frisco Wednesday night.
“On November 5, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., the Frisco Police Department responded to assist in locating a vehicle that had evaded officers as it entered the City of Frisco during a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) pursuit,” the police statement said.
“After losing sight of the vehicle, troopers spotted the vehicle several minutes later and it crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
“Initial reports indicate that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, Texas, fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and began a search of the area with assistance from FPD K-9 units and drone units.”
Police found Kneeland dead around 1:30 a.m. Thursday after receiving a report that Kneeland had expressed “suicidal thoughts.”
Police say the cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Coroner’s Office and the investigation is ongoing.
Local police said: “We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Kneeland’s family and friends.”
Marshawn Kneeland 2001-2025
“The Dallas Cowboys are deeply saddened to share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers for Marshawn are with his girlfriend Katarina and his family.”
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Kneeland had 15 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback tackles in seven games for the Cowboys this season.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Marshawn Kneeland of the Cowboys,” the NFL said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have provided support and counseling resources.”
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Kneeland recorded 27.5 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups in 38 games for Western Michigan University.
He missed six games during his rookie year due to a knee injury, but during that time he recorded 17 tackles, 13 quarterback pressures, one pass breakup, two lost tackles, and one fumble recovery.
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“I am shocked to learn that my client and beloved friend, Marshawn Kneeland, passed away last night,” Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Parsley, said in a statement, according to the NFL.
“I watched him grow from a hopeful kid with dreams at Western Michigan University to a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice and every moment on the field. Losing someone of his talent, strength of spirit and goodness is an indescribable pain.”
“My heart aches for his family, his team-mates and everyone who loved him. We ask that you feel the support of the entire football community at this unimaginable time. We ask that you allow his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this great loss.”
The Cowboys are currently in their bye week and are scheduled to return in Week 11 on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17th.
“The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL Players Association said in a statement.
“His impact on those around him was immeasurable and his loss is felt deeply throughout the community. We are working to ensure our players receive the support they need. Our condolences go out to Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”
NFL and Cowboys pay tribute to Kneeland
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