Marshawn Kneeland: Dallas Cowboys star dead aged 24 after evading police in chase

Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has died at the age of 24, triggering an outpouring of grief across the NFL community.

According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a multi-agency search that began after a vehicle pursuit on Wednesday evening.

US authorities say that the NFL star didn’t stop for Texas Department of Public Safety officers over a traffic violation, which prompted a car chase on Wednesday evening that entered the city of Frisco.

Officers lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed minutes later on the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Kneeland fled the scene on foot, according to the Frisco Police Department. Officers were later alerted to information that the 24-year-old had expressed suicidal ideations.

Early Thursday morning, roughly three hours after the crash, he was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Our heartfelt condolences to the Kneeland family and friends,” police said in a statement.

Tributes pour in for rising NFL star

The Dallas Cowboys confirmed the tragic news with fans in a statement shared on social media on Thursday (local time)

“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 organisation.

“Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

The Kneeland family also released a deeply emotional statement, remembering the talented football player as a “kind, determined and humble” man.

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” the statement shared on Facebook read.

“As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.

“He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”

Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024 second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan.

He played in 11 games as a rookie last season and seven games this season.

“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.”

Lifeline: 13 11 14.