The Dallas Cowboys community is reeling after the heartbreaking news that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, just 24 years old, has died from an apparent suicide.

According to NBC News, the Frisco (Texas) Police Department reported that Kneeland suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning.

Authorities said that on Wednesday night, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to pull over a vehicle near Frisco for a traffic violation. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, reportedly refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit.

“After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway,” police said in a statement.

Kneeland then fled on foot, and his body was discovered roughly three hours later. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the exact cause and manner of death, though police are investigating it as a possible suicide.

The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning:

“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.”

Kneeland, a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2024, was known for his work ethic, humility, and bright future. Just days earlier, he’d scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the Cowboys’ loss to Arizona.

The NFL has made counseling and mental health resources available to all players, coaches, and staff. For anyone in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, help is available 24/7. Please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The entire Cowboys family – and the broader football world – mourns the tragic loss of a young man gone far too soon.