Marshawn Kneeland Cause of Death Revealed: Dallas Cowboys Player Died by Suicide

Authorities in Frisco, Texas, have confirmed that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The revelation came Thursday, two days after the young NFL player was found dead following a police pursuit.

Police said Kneeland’s death was ruled an apparent suicide, with evidence suggesting he had expressed suicidal thoughts prior to the incident. His passing has sent shockwaves through the sports world, just days after he celebrated his first career touchdown in the NFL.

Police Report Confirms the Cause of Death

According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland’s death occurred early Wednesday morning, November 6, following a late-night traffic stop gone wrong. Officers reported that he fled during the stop, leading to a chase that ended in a car crash. Kneeland then left his vehicle and disappeared on foot.

“During the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations,” the official statement read. Law enforcement used drones and K-9 units to locate him. Around 1:31 a.m., they found him with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed the cause of death as suicide.

Investigators also confirmed that Kneeland had sent distressing text messages to family members shortly before his death, reportedly saying, “I’m ending it all.” Officials emphasized that the final autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending.

A Rising NFL Talent Gone Too Soon

Born in 2001, Kneeland was raised in Wyoming, Michigan, where he played high school football at Godwin Heights. He later became a standout defensive end at Western Michigan University from 2019 to 2023. His athleticism and work ethic caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Just three days before his death, Kneeland scored his first professional touchdown, marking a career milestone that now stands as his final on-field achievement. Teammates and coaches described him as “driven, kind, and humble,” a player who was just beginning to make his mark on the league.

“Marshawn put his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field,” said his agent, Jonathan Perzley. “Losing someone with his talent, spirit, and kindness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”

Tributes and Mental Health Awareness in the NFL

The NFL community responded to the devastating news with an outpouring of tributes. Before Thursday night’s game between the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, both teams held a moment of silence in Kneeland’s memory. Players from across the league posted condolences, emphasizing the importance of mental health support in professional sports.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released a brief statement expressing heartbreak over the loss, calling Kneeland “a beloved member of our family whose passion inspired everyone around him.”

The tragedy reignites discussions about mental health pressures faced by athletes. Experts say the transition from college to the pros can be emotionally overwhelming, particularly for young players balancing performance, fame, and personal struggles.

Kneeland’s death serves as a sobering reminder that even those living their dream may be battling unseen pain. The NFL and the Dallas Cowboys have encouraged anyone struggling with mental health issues to seek help and talk openly about their challenges.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death?

Authorities confirmed that Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Frisco Police.

Q2: When did Marshawn Kneeland die?

He died early on November 6, 2025, after a police pursuit that began the previous evening.

Q3: How old was Marshawn Kneeland at the time of his death?

He was 24 years old.

Q4: Did Marshawn Kneeland recently play in an NFL game?

Yes, Kneeland had scored his first professional touchdown just three days before his death.

Q5: How did the NFL honor Marshawn Kneeland?

The Broncos and Raiders observed a moment of silence before their Thursday night game to honor him.