Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has tragically passed away at the age of 24. His death, which has been described as an apparent suicide, shocked the sports world and his teammates. Kneeland’s body was found following a police pursuit in Frisco, Texas, where authorities discovered his vehicle crashed. Law enforcement officials later confirmed the cause of death to be a self‑inflicted gunshot wound.

Kneeland, who had been drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had recently begun to make a name for himself on the field. In his second season, he had just scored his first career touchdown, recovering a blocked punt in a nationally televised game. His promising career had been on an upward trajectory, and his untimely death has left fans and teammates grieving the loss of a young player with much potential.

Following the news, the Cowboys organization and other figures from the football community expressed their condolences, offering support to Kneeland’s family, friends, and loved ones. His death has raised concerns about mental health, particularly in the high-pressure world of professional sports.

Details surrounding the events leading up to his death indicate that Kneeland’s girlfriend had called police, expressing concerns for his well-being and stating that he may have been armed and at risk of harming himself. Despite efforts to reach him, Kneeland’s life was tragically cut short.

Kneeland’s passing serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by athletes, as well as the importance of addressing mental health in professional sports. His legacy will live on through the impact he made in his brief career, but his untimely death is a somber moment for the football community.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, NFL.com