Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died early Thursday, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase, law enforcement officials said. He was 24.
At around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, the Frisco Police Department dispatched officers to assist with the Texas Department of Public Safety in locating a vehicle that had “evaded troopers during a pursuit,” according to a statement.
The officers briefly lost sight of the vehicle, but found that it had crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway.
The driver, later identified as Mr. Kneeland, fled the scene on foot. While conducting a search, officers learned that Mr. Kneeland had “expressed suicidal ideations,” the statement said. At 1:31 a.m., he was found with “what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The Collin County medical examiner’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” a statement released Thursday by the Dallas Cowboys said. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family.”
Mr. Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, posted a statement on social media. “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,” it said. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.”
Mr. Kneeland grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., and set school records in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks at Godwin Heights High School.
He played college football at Western Michigan University, where he recorded 149 tackles and 13 sacks. While he was preparing for the N.F.L. draft, his mother, Wendy, died unexpectedly.
“It was tough, I had a week to prepare,” he told The Dallas Morning News. “But I had to lock in. I put myself in the best position, and she helped me out a lot just leading up to the draft.”
Since her death, Mr. Kneeland had worn a necklace that held some of her ashes.
He was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 N.F.L. draft, with the 56th pick over all. He played 18 games in the N.F.L., all with the Cowboys.
On Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals, Mr. Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
Bernard Mokam covers breaking news.
The post Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Dies at 24 appeared first on New York Times.
