Marshawn Kneeland: Cowboys Player Dies by Suicide

The Tragic Passing of Marshawn Kneeland

On November 6, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys organization and the NFL community were rocked by the sudden death of 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. Found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Frisco, Texas, Kneeland's passing has left teammates, fans, and the entire football reeling with grief.

What We Know About His Death

The tragic events unfolded on November 5 when Texas DPS troopers attempted a traffic stop that escalated into a pursuit. After crashing his vehicle on a local parkway, Kneeland fled on foot. Despite an extensive search involving K-9 units and drones, his body wasn't discovered until 1:31 a.m. CT on November 6. Frisco police characterized the death as a "possible suicide," noting Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations during the chase. The official cause will be determined by the Collin County medical examiner's office.

The Cowboys' Response and Tributes

In the wake of this devastating loss, the Cowboys have announced significant actions to honor Kneeland's memory. Starting with their November 17 Monday Night Football game against the Raiders, the team will wear helmet decals featuring his number for the remainder of the season. Special tribute T-shirts will also be worn during warm-ups. Most critically, the organization established the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to provide lifelong financial support for his pregnant girlfriend, Catalina.

"He was very unique in his zest for life... and the saddest thing for someone like me is the fact that he was only 24 years old." - Jerry Jones, Cowboys Owner

Team owner Jerry Jones expressed profound sorrow in a radio interview, calling the loss a "reality check." Quarterback Dak Prescott, who tragically lost his brother to suicide in 2020, described Kneeland as a "contagious" presence with infectious positivity. Prescott noted that returning to football serves as "the best medicine" for processing grief, dedicating extra effort in practice to honor his teammate's memory.

Remembering Kneeland's Legacy

Despite his brief career, Kneeland made significant contributions. Drafted 56th overall in 2024, he appeared in 18 games with 26 tackles, 4 quarterback hits, and a memorable blocked punt touchdown against Arizona. Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown highlighted Kneeland's ability to "be the light for so many other people" even while privately struggling, emphasizing his daily presence that brought joy to teammates.

Mental Health Resources

Kneeland's tragic passing underscores the critical need for mental health awareness, particularly in high-pressure environments like professional sports. If you or someone you know is struggling:

• Call or text 988 for immediate support
• Visit 988lifeline.org for online chat
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Looking Ahead

As the Cowboys prepare to return to the field, Coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged that grief manifests differently for each player. "Some guys, getting out on the grass is gonna be painful, and that's OK," he said. The team's focus remains on honoring Kneeland's "One Love" mantra while providing mutual support during an unimaginably difficult time.