Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died in early November 2025 at age 24. Reports indicate his death was the result of an apparent suicide following a police pursuit and a vehicle crash, with Frisco, Texas authorities handling the investigation. The Cowboys publicly mourned his passing, noting he was a cherished teammate and member of the organization, and authorities or his representatives requested privacy for his family during this difficult time. His death followed a rookie season and 2025 campaign in which he contributed as a young defensive lineman and recorded his first NFL sack. What happened, summarized:
- Circumstances: Kneeland was involved in a police pursuit and a vehicle crash; Frisco police indicated an apparent self-inflicted gunshot as the cause, and the death is being treated as a possible suicide. The exact sequence and full details have not been released publicly. These initial reports came from Frisco police, Cowboys statements, and multiple national outlets around November 5–6, 2025. [source summaries across multiple outlets indicate this framing]
- Team response: The Dallas Cowboys issued statements expressing profound sorrow and support for Kneeland’s girlfriend and family, emphasizing his value to the organization and his teammates. [Cowboys statements and subsequent reporting]
- Background: Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft (second round, 56th overall) out of Western Michigan. He played in 18 games across his first two seasons, contributing as a rotational lineman and recording his first career sack in the 2025 season, including a notable goal-line stand-type play on a blocked punt return earlier in his timeframe with the team. [team and league reporting on draft status and on-field contributions]
If you’d like, I can pull up the latest, most detailed articles or official statements from the Cowboys, Frisco police, or NFL teams to provide direct quotes and the most precise timeline.
