Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Thursday.
The 24-year-old’s cause of death was self-inflicted gunshot wound after a pursuit by DPS troopers.
The troopers “attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd. The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers,” the Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
They ended the pursuit after losing sight of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned and involved in a crash.
Kneeland was then found dead in a nearby porta-potty, according to the police audio obtained by TMZ.
“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 Cowboys said in a statement.
Kneeland, a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2024, scored a touchdown after a blocked punt in the Cowboys’ loss to the Cardinals on Monday.
According to police audio, Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina believed he was “armed” and said “he will end it all.” He was also said to be texting his family goodbye.
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys,” Kneeland’s agent Jon Perzley said in a statement. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.
“My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
