Marshawn Kneeland death details: What we know about Cowboys DE’s sudden passing

Marshawn Kneeland death details: What we know about Cowboys DE’s sudden passing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, a 2024 second-round pick who had recently scored his first NFL touchdown, died early Thursday morning.

He was 24 years old.

News of Kneeland’s death broke shortly after 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 6. It came as a shock to many, with legions of sports luminaries honoring the former Western Michigan star.

Details related to Kneeland’s passing remain sparse at the moment. Here’s what we know so far.

How did Marshawn Kneeland die?

Cause of death: Apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound

Kneeland died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Frisco Police Department. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a car Kneeland was driving for a traffic violation around 10:33 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.

Police claim that Kneeland refused to stop, leading to a pursuit. He evaded their detection before crashing on southbound Dallas Parkway. Frisco police said Kneeland fled the scene of the crash on foot. He was later located at 1:31 a.m. ET dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning confirming that Kneeland had passed away.

“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.”

The NFL Players Association issued a statement paying tribute to Kneeland and offering support for those who knew and loved him best, including players.

“The NFL Players Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. His impact on those aroun him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across out community. We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved one.”

What happened to Marshawn Kneeland?

TMZ obtained police dispatch radio from Kneeland’s girlfriend, who told operators that Kneeland was armed, had a history of mental issues and told her that he would “end it all.”

TMZ reported that the NFL also phoned Plano police after one of its players — believed to be Kneeland — “texted his family goodbye.”

Officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to the Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris. A Plano Police Department spokesperson told Harris the officers did not make contact with anyone on the residence.

Kneeland was reportedly pursued by police after allegedly committing a traffic violation. Police said he refused to stop, leading to a pursue. Minutes after evading officers, Kneeland is said to crashed on soutbound Dallas Parkway. Police said he fled the scene of the crash on foot. Officers found Kneeland dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at 1:31 a.m. ET on Thursday morning.

Marshawn Kneeland agent statement

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, released a statement paying tribute to the 24-year-old.