TRIGGER WARNING:⚠️
Former Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide Wednesday at the age of 24, was “armed” and his girlfriend was concerned he would “end it all,” according to the audio dispatch.
The wrist tape of Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland who died from an apparent suicide last night.
FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, according to law authorities.
The team put out a statement Thursday but did not mention a cause of death.
"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Kneeland was 24.
The Cowboys have made counseling resources available to all players, coaches and staff. The players are on their bye week and are not scheduled to practice again until Monday.
According to Frisco (Texas) Police, the department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with locating a vehicle that evaded troopers during a pursuit that entered the city at approximately 10:39 p.m. CT Wednesday.
DPS troopers found Kneeland's vehicle crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. According to the report, Kneeland fled the scene on foot and officers searched the area with help from K-9 and drone units.
Approximately three hours later, Kneeland was found with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland "expressed suicidal ideations," according to the report.
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, described his death as "a pain I can hardly put into words."
"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," Perzley said in a statement. "I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.
"My heart aches for his family, his teammates and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."
Marshawn Kneeland's untimely death has cast a spotlight on the critical issue of mental health within professional sports, a topic often overshadowed by the competitiveness and physical demands of athletic careers. Kneeland, who was only 24, displayed tremendous dedication and talent as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, and his death is a reminder of the challenges athletes can face behind the scenes. Mental health struggles among athletes are often compounded by the high-pressure environments they operate in, alongside the public scrutiny and physical toll of their professions. Organizations like the Dallas Cowboys providing counseling resources reflect the growing recognition that emotional and psychological support are vital components of athlete wellness. The events leading up to Kneeland's passing included a police pursuit and concerns raised by his girlfriend about his mental state and potential for self-harm, highlighting the importance of timely intervention. The use of support systems such as law enforcement trained in handling mental health crises, combined with accessible counseling, can make a critical difference. Fans and the football community continue to mourn Kneeland, sharing messages under hashtags such as #RestInPeace and #FlyHighAndSpreadYourWings, which signify the deep impact he had on those around him. His memory serves as a call to action to prioritize mental health education and resources for all players. It is essential for sports organizations and communities to foster environments where players feel safe to express vulnerabilities and seek help without stigma. As awareness grows, initiatives aimed at mental wellness and suicide prevention are becoming key elements in athlete support programs. Kneeland’s legacy goes beyond his performance on the field; it is a poignant reminder of the human struggles that can lie beneath professional success, urging a collective effort to support mental health in sports and beyond.
