Dallas Cowboys Mourn Sudden Loss of Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland

The Dallas Cowboys are in mourning. Defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died on November 6, 2025. He was just 24 years old.

The tragedy occurred in Frisco, Texas. It followed a high-speed police chase and has been investigated as a potential suicide.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Marshawn Kneeland was a rising talent. The Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He wore number 94. His physical play at defensive end impressed coaches during his rookie season.

His final game was a poignant highlight. Just two days before his death, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football.

He recovered a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals. The moment was a bright spot in a young career.

The Tragic Morning in Frisco

The incident began with a traffic violation. Texas Department of Public Safety officers attempted to stop Kneeland’s vehicle.

A chase ensued at speeds reported over 145 mph. Officers later lost sight of his car.

Authorities located his abandoned vehicle after a crash. According to reports from Reuters, they then responded to a welfare concern.

His girlfriend informed police he was armed and struggling. Kneeland was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Team and League Reaction

The Cowboys organization expressed profound grief. The team issued an official statement confirming his passing.

Players and staff created immediate tributes. The team began wearing a special #94 decal on their helmets.

This tribute will continue for the entire 2025 season. The gesture honors a lost teammate and friend.

The team also established a memorial fund. It aims to support his girlfriend and their unborn child.

The loss of Marshawn Kneeland is a sobering reminder of hidden struggles. His story has sparked necessary conversations about mental health support for professional athletes.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who was Marshawn Kneeland?

Marshawn Kneeland was a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a second-round draft pick in 2024 from Western Michigan University.

How did Marshawn Kneeland die?

He died on November 6, 2025, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death followed a high-speed police chase in Frisco, Texas.

How are the Cowboys honoring him?

The team is wearing a #94 helmet decal for the rest of the 2025 season. They also set up a memorial fund for his family.

Did he have mental health challenges?

Police reports indicated a history of mental health concerns. His college campus police had performed welfare checks on him previously.

What was his final NFL achievement?

He scored his first and only NFL touchdown on November 4, 2025. It was a recovered blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals.

Why is this story significant?

It highlights the immense pressure on young professional athletes. The tragedy underscores the critical need for accessible mental health resources in sports.