Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead in the early morning Nov. 6 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. He was 24 years old.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said a trooper tried to stop Kneeland’s vehicle late night Nov. 5 for a traffic violation. When he didn’t pull over, the trooper initiated a short pursuit that entered Frisco around 10:39 p.m.
According to the Frisco Police Department, troopers later found Kneeland’s car crashed along southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. He fled the scene on foot, prompting a search that involved drones, K-9 units and ground patrols.
During the search, Plano Police received calls from Kneeland’s friends and girlfriend, who expressed concern for his safety. Police said Kneeland had sent a group text message saying “goodbye.” His girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, told dispatchers he was armed, had a history of mental health struggles and had threatened to harm himself. Officers performed a welfare check at his home around 11:40 p.m., but he was not there.
At about 1:31 a.m. Nov. 6 Frisco officers found Kneeland nearby with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a team statement, a spokesperson for the Dallas Cowboys said the organization was “extremely saddened” by the loss of a young player who had quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the statement read. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said the death was devastating for everyone close to him.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
At Dallas College’s Richland Campus, student Godslight Austin-James said the news came as a shock.
“He was a really good player and I really liked watching him,” Austin-James said. “I’m really sad that he died because literally I don’t know why he died. It was so stupid that he shot himself for no reason. I feel like that was a dumb reason for him to die.”
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott commented on Kneeland’s passing saying, “it’s been a very tough day” then following with “Tragic loss. I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today. I hurt for Marshawn. I hurt for his family. I hurt for his girlfriend. I hurt for every single one of my teammates. It’s just a pain that you don’t wish upon anybody. You wish none of us had to go through this. You wish Marshawn didn’t have to go through what he went through. Just thankful for each moment we have in this life and don’t take it for granted.”
Kneeland’s cousin, Nicole Kneeland-Woods, said he was known within the family for his warmth and humility.
“He was physically a big guy, but he was the most kindhearted, caring, generous, loving person that you’d ever meet,” she said. “We always knew he was going to be something because he was different, focused.”
Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University. Earlier this month, he celebrated a career milestone when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first NFL touchdown versus the Arizona Cardinals Nov. 3, three days before his death.
The Cowboys said they plan to honor Kneeland throughout the season with helmet decals and a video tribute. The team and the NFL are also offering mental health and counseling services to players and staff.
