The sports world is engulfed in sorrow following the heartbreaking loss of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically passed away on November 6, 2025, at the age of just 24. Authorities in Frisco, Texas, confirmed that Kneeland died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a vehicle pursuit late that evening.
Kneeland, a former second-round pick out of Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft, had just achieved a major milestone days before his passing: scoring his first career NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in Week 9.
A Frantic Call for Help
Disturbing details surrounding the night of November 5th have revealed a frantic attempt to reach the young player. Police dispatch audio obtained by media outlets confirmed that Kneeland’s girlfriend, identified as Catalina, had alerted authorities out of concern for his safety.
During the course of the call, a dispatcher could be heard relaying critical information from Catalina. She stated that Kneeland was “armed and has a history of mental illness,” and her specific quote was that “He will end it all”. Authorities also confirmed that Kneeland had sent his loved ones a “goodbye” message via a group text, causing his family to be deeply concerned for his welfare. The NFL even contacted the Plano Police Department regarding the subject, advising that the player was texting his family goodbye.
The Pursuit and Discovery
The tragedy unfolded after Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers attempted to stop Kneeland’s vehicle for a traffic violation late Wednesday night. Kneeland refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit. Troopers eventually lost sight of the vehicle, but located it minutes later, crashed on the southbound lanes of the Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway in Frisco.
Police, who had received information that Kneeland “had expressed suicidal ideations,” established a perimeter and initiated a search. Kneeland’s body was tragically found at 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, in the immediate vicinity of his vehicle. TMZ Sports further reported that the dispatch audio suggested Kneeland was found inside a portable toilet.
Tributes to a “Beloved Teammate”
Tributes poured in immediately following the announcement of his death. The Cowboys organization released a statement calling Marshawn a “beloved teammate and member of our organization.” They specifically extended their “thoughts and prayers” to his girlfriend Catalina and his family. The NFL also expressed its deep sadness and offered support resources.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared an emotional statement, confirming the loss of his “dearest friend.” Perzley watched Kneeland fight his way from a “hopeful kid at Western Michigan” to a respected professional. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field,” Perzley wrote, adding that the pain of losing someone with his “talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words”.
Even former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer spoke out, recalling his final conversation with Kneeland where he told the young player to “keep being you, you’re going to have a great career”. Zimmer described Kneeland as a great person who was eager to learn, studied hard, and loved playing the game.
It is known that Marshawn was coping with profound personal loss; his mother, Wendy Kneeland, passed away unexpectedly in February 2024, just as he was preparing for the NFL draft. He often honored her memory by wearing a pendant around his neck that contained some of her ashes.
