Marshawn Kneeland Last Message: Plano Police Reveal Goodbye Text Before His Death

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland sent a heartbreaking goodbye text message to friends before his death on Wednesday night, November 5, 2025, according to Plano police dispatch audio obtained by CBS News Texas. The message was sent just hours before the 24-year-old athlete was found dead following a police search in Frisco, Texas.

The revelation came from dispatch recordings that detailed how a group of Kneeland’s friends received a concerning text from him saying “goodbye,” prompting them to call authorities for a welfare check. What followed would turn into a tragic sequence of events that ended in the loss of one of the Cowboys’ most promising young players.

Plano Dispatch Audio Confirms Marshawn Kneeland’s Goodbye Text

At around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, Plano police officers were dispatched to Kneeland’s apartment after a call from a friend reported the alarming text message. “We’re getting a call from a friend of the resident. They just received a text from him — a group text — saying goodbye. They are concerned for his welfare,” the dispatcher can be heard saying in the recording released by CBS News Texas.

Officers arrived at Kneeland’s apartment but were unable to make contact. This was the second time police had visited the residence that night. Earlier, around 11:00 p.m., Plano PD had received a request from Frisco police to locate the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash along the Dallas Parkway. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, had fled after leading Texas Department of Public Safety troopers on a high-speed chase.

Following a search that lasted into the early morning hours, officers found Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m. near the crash site. Police confirmed that the death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Plano Police Department described the sequence of events as a “devastating tragedy” and confirmed that the case remains under review.

Sources told CBS Texas that Kneeland’s girlfriend had previously informed authorities that he was armed and experiencing mental distress. According to the New York Post, she expressed fear that he might “end it all,” a statement that has since been verified through dispatch logs.

Friends and Fans React to Marshawn Kneeland’s Final Moments

News of Marshawn Kneeland’s last message sent shockwaves through the NFL and beyond. Teammates, coaches, and fans expressed grief and disbelief over the loss of the 24-year-old rookie, who had shown immense potential since being drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 2024. Kneeland had recently made headlines after recording his first NFL touchdown just weeks before his death.

Many close to the team pointed to Kneeland’s personal struggles off the field. Earlier in 2024, he lost his mother and had spoken publicly about carrying her ashes in a necklace during games. The tragedy has reignited conversations about the mental health pressures professional athletes face, especially young players adjusting to fame, scrutiny, and personal loss.

The Dallas Cowboys released a statement on Thursday calling Kneeland a “beloved teammate and friend” and extended condolences to his family. The NFL also issued a statement promising to “continue supporting players with mental health and crisis counseling resources.”

Marshawn Kneeland’s final message now stands as a painful reminder of the silent struggles behind athletic success — and the urgent need for continued awareness and support for mental health in sports.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Marshawn Kneeland’s last message say?

According to police dispatch audio, Kneeland sent a group text message saying “goodbye” to friends before his death. The message prompted a welfare check at his Plano apartment.

Q2: When and where did Marshawn Kneeland die?

He was found dead at 1:31 a.m. on November 6, 2025, near a crash site in Frisco, Texas, following a police search and welfare alert.

Q3: How did Marshawn Kneeland die?

Authorities confirmed that Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing a high-speed crash.

Q4: Did the Dallas Cowboys respond to the tragedy?

Yes. The Cowboys issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow and described Kneeland as a “beloved teammate.” The NFL also promised enhanced mental health support for players.

Q5: What do we know about his mental health history?

Police reports and statements from Kneeland’s girlfriend suggested he was struggling emotionally and was reportedly armed on the night of his death.