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Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland (DL41) talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL world is mourning the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died after a chase with police on Thursday morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On Thursday morning, the devastating news broke that Marshawn Kneeland died at the age of 24. According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland was found dead at 1:31 a.m. after fleeing from police.

The FPD claims that Kneeland’s vehicle evaded local authorities at 10:39 p.m. on Wednesday night. Troopers found the vehicle crashed and desserted, and were warned that Kneeland “expressed suicidial ideations.” Tragically, Kneeland took his own life before anyone could reach and help him.

TMZ Sports obtained audio of the police dispatch audio, where his girlfriend revealed the heartbreakign final text message he had sent to his loved ones:

The girlfriend said Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental issues … and she was quoted saying he would “end it all.” The dispatch also stated the NFL called Plano PD regarding one of its players … stating the “subject is texting his family goodbye.”

After starring at Western Michigan, Marshawn Kneeland was drafted in the second round (56th overall) by the Cowboys in 2024. He appeared in 18 games, tallying one sack, a pass breakup and 26 combined tackles.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and Cowboys organization during this devastating period.

Marshawn Kneeland: A Blossoming Life That Tragically Ended Early

Marshawn Kneeland (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

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Global awareness and resources for mental health have grown significantly over the past decade. But Kneeland’s untimely death is just another reminder that we need to always check in on our loved ones and offer never-ending support, even when it looks like they have everything together.

It’s easy for people on the outside to think professional athletes like Kneeland have it all together, but fame and fortune aren’t everything. He had his own struggles like the rest of us, having to deal with the unexpected passing of his mother, Wendy, two months before he was drafted.

Society still has a long way to in fully understanding the hardships and struggles of mental health issues. It’s just heartbreaking that those inner struggles caused Kneeland to end his life so early.

It’s also disclosed that the NFL called the Plano Police Department to report that one of its players was experiencing an episode and that the “subject is texting his family goodbye.”

Operators also noted being on the phone with the Cowboys. 

You can take a listen to the audio from TMZ here:https://share.tmz.com/watch/marshawn-kneeland-dispatch-audio-11-06-2025/

Marshawn Kneeland Evaded Police Before Allegedly Taking His Own Life

Marshawn Kneeland (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

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A report from the Frisco Police Department states that Kneeland failed to stop after troopers attempted to pull him over. He led them on a pursuit and managed to evade them. They said they found his vehicle crashed on the Dallas Parkway, but he wasn’t around, having apparently fled on foot.

His body was later found with an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to dispatch audio, he was found inside a portable toilet, 

The player’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, released a statement on Thursday. 

“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” he wrote. 

Kneeland, who had made 18 appearances for the Cowboys after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, scored his first career touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. 

His final social media posts have resurfaced online in the wake of his death, making the event even more devastating.